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De - Pt| English Dictionary: 'Obstruction' | by the DICT Development Group |
| 1 result for 'Obstruction' | |
| From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
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Obstruction \Ob*struc"tion\, n. [L. obstructio.] 1. The act of obstructing, or state of being obstructed. 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. Usage: {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. | |
