obstruction
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (5)
- any structure that makes progress difficultSynonyms: obstructorobstructerimpedimentimpedimentaType of structure, constructionKinds obstacle, barrier, bar, hindrance, blockade, tumbler, blockage
- the physical condition of blocking or filling a passage with an obstructionSynonyms: blockageType of physical condition, physiological stateKinds tamponade, intestinal obstruction
- something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted“lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement”“the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education”“the filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan”Synonyms: obstacleType of hindrance, hinderanceKinds barrier, stymie, hurdle, hang-up
- the act of obstructing“obstruction of justice”Type of hindrance, hinderanceKinds blockage, stall, obstruction of justice
- getting in someone's wayType of maneuver, manoeuvreKinds blocking, check
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: L. obstructio.
1. The act of obstructing, or state of being obstructed.
2. That which obstructs or impedes; an obstacle; an impediment; a hindrance.
A popular assembly free from obstruction.— Jonathan Swift
3. The condition of having the natural powers obstructed in their usual course; the arrest of the vital functions; death. poetic
To die, and go we know not where, To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot.— William Shakespeare
Synonyms: Obstacle; bar; barrier; impediment; clog; check; hindrance. — Obstruction, Obstacle. The difference between these words is that indicated by their etymology; an obstacle is something standing in the way; an obstruction is something put in the way. Obstacle implies more fixedness and is the stronger word. We remove obstructions; we surmount obstacles.
Disparity in age seems a greater obstacle to an intimate friendship than inequality of fortune.— Jeremy Collier
The king expected to meet with all the obstructions and difficulties his enraged enemies could lay in his way.— Edward Hyde, first earl of Clarendon
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54