obstruction

IPA/əbˈstrʌkʃn/
KK[əbstrˈʌkʃən]IPA/əbˈstrʌkʃn/

obstruction — noun

  • obstructionsingular
  • obstructionsplural

1. something that blocks movement through a road, doorway, pipe, or similar space;

1.名詞B2
釋義

something that blocks movement through a road, doorway, pipe, or similar space; also the act of creating such a block

例句

A fallen tree was the main obstruction on the mountain road after the storm.

The delivery driver found a parked lorry blocking the narrow lane — a daily obstruction.

collocation: obstruction on a road or lane

同義詞
  • blockage

    emphasises the thing causing the block rather than the act

  • barrier

    wider in scope; can be natural or man-made, physical or abstract

  • impediment

    more formal; often used for speech or movement difficulties

反義詞
  • clearance

    the removal of something that was blocking a space

  • opening

    a gap or space through which movement is possible

用法筆記

Countable when naming a specific blocking object (a fallen tree, a parked car); uncountable when referring to the act or state of being blocked (the road was closed due to obstruction).

常見錯誤

❌The exam was a big obstruction for me.
✅The exam was a big obstacle for me.
💡'Obstruction' is mainly about physical blocking; 'obstacle' fits better for abstract difficulties.

2. actions or behaviour that deliberately get in the way of a process, plan, or off

2.名詞B2
釋義

actions or behaviour that deliberately get in the way of a process, plan, or official work, stopping it from moving forward as it should

例句

The committee accused the minister of obstruction after she withheld key documents.

collocation: accuse someone of obstruction

Amihan's proposal for remote working met obstruction from managers who refused to discuss it.

同義詞
  • hindrance

    less deliberate; can be an inconvenience rather than intentional blocking

  • interference

    suggests meddling or unwanted involvement in someone else's business

  • stonewalling

    specifically refusing to answer questions or give information during an inquiry

反義詞

用法筆記

Often used in legal and political contexts. Distinguish from sense 1 (BLOCKED PASSAGE): this sense is about human behaviour stopping a process, not a physical object blocking a space.

常見錯誤

❌There was a lot of obstruction to the new law.
✅There was a lot of opposition to the new law.
💡'Obstruction' means actively blocking a process, not simply disagreeing with it.
❌His obstruction was helpful.
✅His objection was helpful.
💡'Obstruction' is always negative; use 'objection' or 'resistance' for principled disagreement.

3. in sports such as football, hockey, and rugby, a foul that happens when a player

3.名詞C1
釋義

in sports such as football, hockey, and rugby, a foul that happens when a player blocks an opponent's path without trying to reach the ball first

例句

The referee blew the whistle for obstruction when the defender blocked Marta's run.

collocation: blow the whistle for obstruction

Adaeze was awarded a free kick after a clear obstruction near the penalty box.

同義詞
  • blocking

    the general term; 'obstruction' is the official foul name in many sports

  • impeding

    used in some rulebooks, but less common in everyday sports talk

用法筆記

Specific to sports with a referee or official. The key point is blocking an opponent without making a legitimate play for the ball. Not used for casual games among friends.

常見錯誤

❌The defender made an obstruction and scored.
✅The defender committed obstruction and the other team got a free kick.
💡A player who commits obstruction does not gain an advantage; the foul is called against them.