Obstruction: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to something that prevents passage or progress, often in a physical sense. It can also refer to the act of deliberately trying to prevent something from happening.

• There was an obstruction on the road that caused a traffic jam.
• The politician faced charges of obstruction of justice.

This word is used for a physical structure or an intangible factor that prevents movement or access. It can be literal, such as a fence, or metaphorical, like a language barrier.

• The barrier prevented the animals from escaping the enclosure.
• There was a significant cultural barrier that made communication difficult.

This word is suitable when talking about something that makes it difficult to achieve a goal. It usually emphasizes the delay or burdensome aspect of the problem.

• His lack of experience was a hindrance to his career development.
• The frequent rains have been a hindrance to the construction project.

Use this word to describe something that stops something else from moving through a pathway, like pipes, arteries, or roads. It often implies a need for removal or clearing.

• The doctors found a blockage in the patient's artery that needed to be removed immediately.
• There was a blockage in the sewer system that caused flooding in the area.

Use this word to refer to something that obstructs or prevents progress. It is often used to describe difficulties with speech or developmental activities.

• The young child had a speech impediment that required special therapy.
• Bureaucratic red tape is often an impediment to efficient business operations.

This word is suitable for something that blocks one's way or prevents progress or achievement. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses and is often considered neutral or slightly challenging.

• The hikers were able to climb over the obstacle and continue their journey.
• Lack of funding is a major obstacle to the success of the project.

Use this word when referring to something that blocks or gets in the way of progress or movement. This can be physical, like an object in a path, or abstract, like bureaucracy.

• There was an obstruction on the road causing a traffic jam.
• The new regulations created several obstructions to the project's completion.

This word is used when something or someone actively interrupts or disturbs progress or function. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The interference from his colleagues delayed the project.
• The radio signal was poor due to interference.

This word implies a delay or difficulty that holds progress back but doesn't completely stop it. It's often used to describe annoyances or inconveniences.

• Her lack of experience was a hindrance to her career advancement.
• The constant interruptions proved to be a significant hindrance.

Specifically refers to the deliberate actions taken to delay or prevent progress, often in a political context. It carries a negative connotation.

• The senator's obstructionism frustrated the legislative process.
• Obstructionism in the committee meetings has halted the policy reforms.

Refer to this word when describing something that seriously slows or stops progress. It can also be used in a medical context (e.g., speech impediment).

• His speech impediment made public speaking challenging.
• The construction works were an impediment to the travelers.

Typically used for something physical or metaphorical that blocks progress. It can be either tangible or intangible.

• Lack of funding is a major obstacle for scientific research.
• The fallen tree was an obstacle on the hiking path.

General term for something that blocks or hinders passage, used in everyday and specific contexts.

• There was an obstruction on the road, causing a major traffic delay
• The patient suffered from a bowel obstruction

Used to describe something that completely blocks a passage, often in medical or mechanical contexts.

• The doctor found a blockage in the artery
• The pipe suffered a serious blockage due to debris

Typically refers to something that partially blocks a space or prevents flow, often used in everyday situations.

• The kitchen sink is clogged with food particles
• Hair can easily clog the shower drain

Technical term often used in medical or dental contexts to describe a blockage or closure.

• The dentist found an occlusion in the patient's bite
• Medical imaging showed an occlusion in the blood vessel

Refers to something that makes a passage narrower, often used in medical contexts.

• The constriction of the blood vessels can lead to health issues
• The snake's constriction of its prey was incredible to observe