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Webster 1913 Edition


Obstruction

Ob-struc′tion

,
Noun.
[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
.
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.
Shakespeare
Syn.
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.
Collier.
The king expected to meet with all the
obstructions
and difficulties his enraged enemies could lay in his way.
Clarendon.

Webster 1828 Edition


Obstruction

OBSTRUC'TION

,
Noun.
[L. obstructio.]
1.
The act of obstructing.
2.
Obstacle; impediment; any thing that stops or closes a way or channel. Bars of sand at the mouths of rivers are often obstructions to navigation.
3.
That which impedes progress; hinderance. disunion and party spirit are often obstructions to legislative measures and to public prosperity.
4.
A heap. [Not proper.]

Definition 2024


obstruction

obstruction

English

Noun

obstruction (plural obstructions)

  1. The act of obstructing, or state of being obstructed.
  2. That which obstructs or impedes; an obstacle; an impediment; a hindrance.
  3. The condition of having the natural powers obstructed in their usual course; the arrest of the vital functions; death.

Synonyms

Translations


French

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɔp.stʁyk.sjɔ̃/

Noun

obstruction f (plural obstructions)

  1. block (something that prevents passing)
  2. obstruction