[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/obstruction/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [O](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/o/) / obstruction

# obstruction

noun (an obstruction, obstructions; uncountable obstruction)

«obstruction» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. An obstruction is something that blocks a road, path, pipe or passage so that things cannot get through. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#m1)
2. Obstruction is the act of stopping or delaying something on purpose. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#m2)
3. (sport) In football, hockey and other games, obstruction is illegally blocking an opponent with your body. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#m3)
4. (law) Obstruction of justice means trying to stop the police or a court from doing their job. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#m4)

### In the lessons

In safety lessons it reminds children to keep fire exits and stairs clear of obstructions. In science and the body it can mean a blocked tube, such as something stuck in the throat. In sport it names a foul. Phrases: «cause an obstruction», «clear an obstruction», «obstruction of justice».

### Examples

- A fallen tree caused an obstruction on the road. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#x1)
- Keep the fire exit free from any obstruction. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#x2)
- The plumber cleared an obstruction from the drain. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#x3)
- The referee gave a free kick for obstruction. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#x4)
- Bags in the corridor are an obstruction and someone could trip. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#x5)
- The doctor checked whether there was an obstruction in the dog's throat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#x6)
- Lying to the police can be obstruction of justice. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/#x7)

### Note

Countable when it is a thing (an obstruction, two obstructions); uncountable when it is the action. Verb: obstruct. Related: obstacle (something in your way). In sport it is a foul even if no one falls.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «obstruction» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruction/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«obstruction» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/obstruction.html) on Mova free.