ˈɒbstəkl̩ ˈɑbstəkl̩ əbˈstɹʌk.ʃən an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented) something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education the filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan