barrier

Meaning

Noun

1. A structure that bars passage.
2. An obstacle or impediment.
3. A boundary or limit.
4. A node (in government and binding theory) said to intervene between other nodes A and B if it is a potential governor for B, c-commands B, and does not c-command A.
5. A separation between two areas of the body where specialized cells allow the entry of certain substances but prevent the entry of others.
6. (historical) The lists in a tournament.
7. (historical, in-plural) A martial exercise of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Verb

To block or obstruct with a barrier.

Synonyms

obstacle

hindrance

obstruction

bar

fence

impediment

barricade

hurdle

wall

block

roadblock

gate

dam

limit

handicap

dike

screen

blockade

border

hedge

blockage

disturbance

shield

🛡️

difficulty

enclosure

dyke

hinderance

drawback

rampart

clog

levee

railing

trouble

defense

cutoff

cushion

curtain wall

curtain

crimp

cover

binder

barrage

balk

embarrassment

embankment

edge

check

encumbrance

entanglement

besiege

Translations

barrière

barrera

barriera

obstacle

Hindernis

Barriere

barreira

Schranke

barrière

εμπόδιο

φράγμα

obstáculo

Sperre

ostacolo

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈbæɹi.ə(ɹ)/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: barryer

Cognate with French: barrière

In summary

From Middle English barryer, barrere, barryȝer, from Old French barriere (compare French barrière), from Old French barre (“bar”).