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.
Shak.
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.
Ob*struc"tion*ism (?), n. The act or the policy of obstructing
progress. Lond. Lit. World.
Ob*struc"tion*ist, n. One who hinders progress; one who obstructs
business, as in a legislative body. -- a. Of or pertaining to
obstructionists. [Recent]
Ob*struct"ive (?), a. [Cf.F. obstrictif.] Tending to obstruct;
presenting obstacles; hindering; causing impediment. --
Ob*struct"ive*ly, adv.
Ob*struct"ive, n. An obstructive person or thing.
Ob"stru*ent (?), a. [L. obstruens, p. pr. of obstruere. See Obstruct.]
Causing obstruction; blocking up; hindering; as, an obstruent medicine.
Johnson.
Ob"stru*ent, n. Anything that obstructs or closes a passage; esp., that
which obstructs natural passages in the body; as, a medicine which acts
as an obstruent.
Ob*stu`pe*fac"tion (?), n. [L. obstuperfacere to stupefy.] See
Stupefaction. [Obs.] Howell.