3 syllables: ob, struct, ion. Stress on struct.
/əbsˈtɹʌkʃən/
Say it backObstruction refers to something that blocks, hinders, or prevents progress or movement. In law or medicine it can denote a blockage or impediment. The term encompasses both physical barriers and figurative hindrances, and is used across technical and everyday contexts to describe interfering elements that impede function or access.
"The obstruction of the drain caused the kitchen to flood."
"There was an obstruction to the reform bill, delaying its passage."
"A fallen tree presented a natural obstruction to the road."
Obstruction is pronounced with three syllables: ob-struc-tion. Primary stress on OB, with a secondary link between the two consonant clusters. IPA US/UK: /ˈɒb.strʌk.ʃən/ in non-rhotic UK. In more careful US speech: /ˈɑːb.strʌk.ʃən/. The middle syllable is /strʌk/ where /str/ begins the cluster, and the /ʌ/ is the stressed short vowel in many accents. For quick reference, think: OB-struck-shun, but with a light, unstressed 'tion'.
Two common errors: (1) misplacing the /str/ cluster, saying 'ob-struh-kshin' with an overly reduced /ʃən/; ensure the /str/ is clearly attached to the second syllable. (2) confusing /ɪ/ vs /ʌ/ in the second syllable; strive for /strʌk/ rather than /strɪk/ or /strɔk/. Correction tips: practice with a slow tempo, exaggerate the /str/ onset, then relax to natural pace; use minimal pairs like str- in 'structure' vs 'obstruction' to train the cluster.
In US pronunciation, you may hear /ˈɑb.strʌk.ʃən/ with a rhotic r and a clear /str/ cluster. UK often shows /ˈɒb.strʌk.ʃən/ with non-rhotic r and slightly shorter vowels; AU tends to align with UK but may have a more relaxed /ə/ in the final syllable. The key differences are rhoticity on /r/ (present in US but not in UK/AU) and vowel quality in the /ɒ/ or /ɑ/ and /ʌ/ positions. Practicing all three helps you sound natural in different contexts.
The difficulty centers on the consonant cluster /str/ in the second syllable and the final /ʃən/. The /str/ cluster requires precise timing and tongue advancement, while /ʃən/ can reduce to a softer, fast syllable in connected speech. Additionally, the difference between /ɒ/ and /ɑ/ in British vs American accents can cause subtle mispronunciations. Maintaining a crisp /str/ onset and a clear, but light, final /ən/ helps you avoid slurring.
A distinctive aspect is keeping the /ɒb/ or /ɑb/ early vowel tense, then ensuring /str/ follows immediately without an intrusive vowel. The sequence OB-STR-UC-tion is helpful; the middle consonant cluster should be tight and released into the /ʃən/ syllable. Paying attention to syllable-timed rhythm helps the natural flow: OB-struc-tion, with a noticeable but quick lift between the second and third syllable.
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Obstruction comes from the late Latin obstructio, from Latin obstāre meaning to block or oppose. The prefix ob- means against or toward, and stāre or sta- relates to standing or staying. The form entered English in the 15th century with legal and mechanical senses, meaning the act of blocking a path or process. Over time, its usage broadened to general impediments or hindrances, including figurative obstacles in arguments, plans, or procedures. The core idea remains a concrete or abstract barrier that prevents forward movement. In modern usage, the word is common in legal, medical, and everyday contexts, maintaining its sense of blocking, interrupting, or preventing action or flow.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "obstruction" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "obstruction" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "obstruction" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "obstruction"
-ion sounds
-on? sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
