-kshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin obstruction-, obstructio from obstruct us (past participle of obstruere to obstruct) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : an act of obstructing or the condition of being obstructed: as
a. : a condition of being clogged or blocked
intestinal obstruction
respiratory obstruction due to thyroid disease
b. obsolete : arrest of vital functions : death
c. : a delay or attempted delay of business by dilatory parliamentary tactics in a deliberative body (as a legislature) — compare filibuster 2
d. : the illegal hindrance of the progress of an opponent in a game (as soccer) by remaining in the path he wants to follow
2. : something that obstructs or impedes : impediment , hindrance
removing obstructions from the path
this was the major obstruction to the success of our plan
Synonyms: see obstacle