Words / B2

uhb-STRUKSHUN/əbˈstrʌkʃn/

An obstruction is something that blocks a path, view, or process, or the act of blocking: an obstruction of the corridor; obstruction of justice. Obstacle is a difficulty in the way (already in the dictionary); obstruct is the verb (already elsewhere). A bag is an obstruction if it blocks the fire route. Mix-up: obstacle (a difficulty) vs obstruction (a blockage, often physical or legal). Do not call a hard question an obstruction.

Meaning

Something that blocks a path, view, or process; also the act of blocking (obstruction of justice).

Examples

• “A bag is an obstruction if it blocks the fire route, H&S said.”
• “Obstruction of justice featured in the law unit, which is the legal sense.”

Good to know

an obstruction of; obstruction of justice. Verb: obstruct. Close: obstacle (difficulty). Trap: using it for a tricky exam item. H&S, news, and law. A blockage, not a hard task.

Near in meaning

blockage

New