obstruction

Something that blocks a road, passage, or opening.

• A fallen tree caused an obstruction.
• Workers cleared the obstruction from the pipe.
• The doctor checked for an obstruction in his airway.

Similar words: blockage, obstacle, barrier

Common phrases: road obstruction, remove an obstruction, airway obstruction

The act of stopping or making it harder for someone or something to move forward or succeed.

• They accused him of obstruction.
• She was charged with obstruction of justice.
• The committee complained about deliberate obstruction of its investigation.

How to use it: obstruction of something (The law forbids obstruction of police work.)

Similar words: blocking, hindrance, impediment

Opposites: assistance

Common phrases: obstruction of justice, deliberate obstruction, obstruction of something

Something that gets in the way of movement or progress.

• The referee spotted an obstruction.
• Lack of funding remains an obstruction to progress.
• The defender’s obstruction prevented her from reaching the ball.

How to use it: an obstruction to something (The high fee is an obstruction to participation.)

Similar words: obstacle, impediment, hindrance

Common phrases: an obstruction to something, call an obstruction, unnecessary obstruction