obstruction

USAGE SUMMARY

"obstruction" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that blocks progress, a person or thing that hinders progress, or to a law or other decree that blocks certain activities. For example: "The mayor signed an obstruction that barred the construction of the new development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite video footage obtained by the Guardian showing one senior police officer telling protesters that they could make their way home without obstruction, in his judgment Snow said: "At no points was any express or implied promise made by the police that the protesters would not be arrested".

The Guardian

It is understood that rather than outright obstruction, some individuals have been dragging their feet.

The Guardian

They were destroyed as a firm, even before being found guilty of obstruction of justice in June.

The Economist

Yet the job is unfinished, thanks to Mr Hussein's obstruction, evasion, threats and lies.

The Economist

The partner who led the Enron account, David Duncan, has admitted that he is guilty of obstruction of justice, but he is expected to be treated leniently after agreeing to turn state's evidence.Tyco then found itself at the centre of rumours.

The Economist

That was Andersen's response to the announcement on March 14th that one of the world's largest accounting firms has been indicted for the obstruction of justice in the Enron affair.

The Economist

Besides, she has not been personally implicated.The president's real worry is that public anger plus parliamentary obstruction will thwart her plans for her second term, the most important of which is a correction of the economic course that she set in her first.

The Economist

In January, federal officials charged Dean Bauer, an old friend of Mr Ryan and the man he appointed to root out corruption in the secretary of state's office, with racketeering, mail fraud, obstruction of justice and making false statements.

The Economist

This leaves plenty of room for disappointment and therefore for obstruction from the poorest countries if a broader deal looks likely.For the moment, an agreement still seems an awfully long way off.

The Economist

That makes it tempting for him to blame his embarrassment now not only on Republican obstruction but also on the resistance of vested interests, such as health insurers.And yet it is not primarily the special-interest groups that have blocked his plans for health reform.

The Economist

She faces charges including obstruction of justice, making false statements to federal officials and perjury.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstruction", consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym. For instance, "roadblock" might be suitable for project management, while "impediment" is better for formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "obstruction" when you mean active suppression. "Obstruction" implies a hindering or blocking, while "suppression" means actively preventing something from happening or being known.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obstruction" is as a noun. It refers to the act of obstructing, the state of being obstructed, or something that obstructs. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various sentence structures, consistent with its definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstruction" is a versatile noun that describes the act of hindering or blocking something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "impediment", "hindrance", and "obstacle" offer nuanced alternatives, it's essential to avoid confusion with terms like "suppression". Understanding its register and appropriate usage can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impediment

This term refers to something that delays or prevents progress, action or procedure. It is a more formal synonym.

hindrance

This word suggests something that holds back or prevents movement or action. It's less formal than "impediment" but similar in meaning.

obstacle

This refers to something that blocks one's way or prevents progress. It is a very common and versatile synonym.

blockage

This term implies a physical obstruction or a situation where something is completely blocked.

barrier

This suggests a physical or metaphorical obstacle that prevents movement or access.

roadblock

This is a more specific term, often used to describe something that halts progress on a project or plan.

interference

This suggests active involvement that disrupts or prevents something from happening smoothly.

impedimenta

This term refers to things that impede progress or movement, often baggage or equipment.

encumbrance

This implies something that weighs down or burdens someone, hindering progress.

restraint

This suggests a force or influence that limits or controls something, preventing free movement or action.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "obstruction"?

You can use alternatives like "impediment", "hindrance", or "obstacle" depending on the context.

How is "obstruction of justice" typically used in legal contexts?

"Obstruction of justice" refers to actions that impede or hinder the administration of justice. This can include tampering with evidence, intimidating witnesses, or interfering with law enforcement investigations.

What's the difference between "obstruction" and "delay"?

"Obstruction" implies a more forceful blocking or hindering of progress, while "delay" simply means something is slowed down. An "obstruction" may cause a delay, but a delay isn't necessarily caused by an obstruction.

Is "obstruction" always a negative term?

Yes, "obstruction" generally has a negative connotation. It implies that something is being unfairly or inappropriately blocked or hindered.