obstruction

 
Pronunciation: /əbˈstrʌkʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action of obstructing or the state of being obstructed: walkers could proceed with the minimum of obstruction
  • [count noun] a thing that impedes or prevents passage or progress; an obstacle or blockage: the tractor hit an obstruction
  • (in various sports) the action of unlawfully obstructing a player in the opposing team.
  • Medicine blockage of a bodily passage, especially the gut: they presented with severe intestinal obstruction
  • Law the action of impeding the movement of traffic on a highway: they were held for obstruction and other public order offences
  • Law the action of deliberately hindering the police in their duties: he was charged with obstruction of a police officer in the execution of his duty

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin obstructio(n-), from the verb obstruere (see obstruct)