obstruction
B2Formal, Neutral, Technical
Definition
Meaning
Something that blocks a passage, prevents movement or progress, or causes an obstruction.
An action, law, or situation that deliberately hinders a process, activity, or legal proceeding; also, the act of obstructing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun can refer to both a physical blockage and an abstract hindrance. It is a countable noun when referring to a specific object or instance, and can be uncountable when referring to the general act or state. Often has negative connotations of intentional interference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used similarly in both varieties, though 'obstruction of justice' is a highly frequent legal collocation in American English. British English may use 'obstruction' more often in traffic and public order contexts.
Connotations
Broadly similar. In legal contexts, both use 'obstruction' (e.g., 'obstruction of a police officer', 'obstruction of justice').
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to prevalent legal and political discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
obstruction of [noun]obstruction to [noun/gerund]obstruction in [place/process]obstruction by [agent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to throw up an obstruction”
- “a wilful obstruction of the course of justice”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often refers to regulatory or bureaucratic hurdles that delay projects or deals.
Academic
Used to describe methodological limitations or factors that impede a process in research.
Everyday
Commonly used for physical blockages in roads, pipes, or bodily functions.
Technical
Specific meanings in medicine (e.g., bowel obstruction), law, and fluid dynamics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lorry was obstructing the entrance to the car park.
- He was arrested for obstructing the highway.
American English
- The fallen tree is obstructing traffic on Main Street.
- Witnesses were charged with obstructing the investigation.
adverb
British English
- He acted obstructively by withholding the key documents.
- The council was behaving obstructively.
American English
- The manager responded obstructively to the audit request.
- They worked obstructively to slow down the process.
adjective
British English
- The obstructionist tactics of the committee delayed the vote.
- He took an obstructive stance during the negotiations.
American English
- The obstructionist policies of the minority party are well-known.
- She was accused of obstructive behavior.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is an obstruction on the road.
- The doctor said he has a stomach obstruction.
- The fallen tree caused a major obstruction for traffic.
- A lack of funding can be an obstruction to new projects.
- The political party was accused of deliberate obstruction of the legislative process.
- Surgery was required to remove the intestinal obstruction.
- The defendant was indicted on charges of obstruction of justice for destroying evidence.
- Bureaucratic obstructionism has stifled innovation in the sector for years.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'OB-STRUCT-ION': An OBject that STRUCTures (builds) an ION (action) of blocking.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A PATH / FLOW; AN OBSTRUCTION IS A BLOCK ON THAT PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'структура' (structure).
- The Russian 'препятствие' is a good general equivalent, but 'obstruction' is more formal and often implies a more solid or deliberate block.
- In medical contexts, 'непроходимость' is the direct equivalent for 'intestinal obstruction'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'obstruction' as a verb (the verb is 'obstruct').
- Confusing spelling: 'obstuction' (missing 'r').
- Using with wrong preposition, e.g., 'obstruction for progress' instead of 'obstruction to progress'.
Practice
Quiz
In a medical context, 'obstruction' most specifically refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it almost always describes something undesirable that stops progress, movement, or a normal process, whether physical or abstract.
An 'obstacle' is a general thing you must overcome. An 'obstruction' is often a more solid, specific blockage and can imply a deliberate act of interference, especially in legal contexts.
No, the noun is 'obstruction'. The related verb is 'to obstruct'.
It is a serious legal charge referring to any act that intentionally interferes with the administration of law, such as influencing a jury, destroying evidence, or lying to investigators.
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