Barred: meaning, definitions and examples

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barred

 

[bɑːrd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in legal context

Prevented from doing something; forbidden or prohibited.

Synonyms

banned, forbidden, prohibited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barred

Used when someone or something is officially prevented from entering a place, joining a group, or taking part in an activity.

  • He was barred from entering the club
  • The event barred attendees under 18
prohibited

Similar to 'forbidden', but often used in legal or official contexts to indicate that something is not allowed by law or regulation.

  • Parking is prohibited in this area
  • The sale of certain substances is prohibited by law
forbidden

Used when something is not allowed, especially by a rule or law, and often implies a more formal or severe restriction.

  • It is forbidden to take photos in the museum
  • The school forbids students from using their phones during classes
banned

Implies a complete prohibition, often by law or official decree, and carries a stronger connotation than other synonyms.

  • Smoking is banned in public buildings
  • The book was banned due to its controversial content

Examples of usage

  • He was barred from entering the country due to his criminal record.
  • The company was barred from selling their product in that region due to safety concerns.
Context #2 | Verb

in sports context

Prevented or excluded from participating in a particular event or competition.

Synonyms

banned, excluded, prohibited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barred

Used when someone is officially prevented from entering a place or joining an activity.

  • He was barred from entering the stadium due to his previous misconduct.
  • The company barred her from accessing confidential documents.
excluded

Used when someone or something is left out from participation or inclusion, often without formal prohibition.

  • He felt excluded from the group when they didn't invite him to the party.
  • Certain products are excluded from the discount offer.
prohibited

Used for things that are not allowed, usually by rules, regulations, or laws. It emphasizes prevention.

  • Parking is prohibited in this area.
  • The sale of alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited.
banned

Used when something is officially forbidden, especially by law or regulation. Often has a strong legal connotation.

  • The government banned smoking in public places.
  • She was banned from driving for six months.

Examples of usage

  • The athlete was barred from the race for violating the rules.
  • He was barred from playing in the championship game due to his previous suspension.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'barred' comes from the Middle English 'barre', which meant a rod or barrier.
  • In its verb form, it has roots in Old French, where 'barre' also referred to a barrier.
  • The use of the term in legal contexts can be traced back to the 15th century, often meaning to exclude or prohibit.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, characters are often 'barred' from achieving their desires, symbolizing obstacles they must overcome.
  • The phrase 'barred from entry' is commonly seen in signs, conveying restrictions in public spaces.
  • In various cultures, barred symbols (like gates or fences) represent the concept of safety and separation.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, 'barred' can mean someone is prohibited from contesting a case or from certain actions due to statutory limitations.
  • The 14th Amendment in the United States barred certain individuals from holding public office after the Civil War.
  • Barred actions in law often aim to provide closure and finality to legal proceedings.

Psychology

  • Feelings of being 'barred' can provoke anxiety or frustration, often stemming from perceived limitations on freedom.
  • Cognitive barriers prevent individuals from reaching their goals, similar to physical barriers.
  • Understanding barriers (both real and metaphorical) can help in addressing feelings of inadequacy or stagnation.

Art and Expression

  • In visual art, barred elements can symbolize confinement or restriction, often provoking thought about freedom.
  • Street art often uses barred themes to comment on societal issues, illustrating struggles against oppression.
  • The motif of bars and barriers frequently appears in music lyrics, reflecting themes of love, loss, and obstacles in life.

Translations

Translations of the word "barred" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barrado

🇮🇳 रोक दिया गया

🇩🇪 gesperrt

🇮🇩 dilarang

🇺🇦 заборонений

🇵🇱 zabroniony

🇯🇵 禁止された

🇫🇷 interdit

🇪🇸 prohibido

🇹🇷 yasaklanmış

🇰🇷 금지된

🇸🇦 محظور

🇨🇿 zakázán

🇸🇰 zakázaný

🇨🇳 禁止

🇸🇮 prepovedano

🇮🇸 bannaður

🇰🇿 тыйым салынған

🇬🇪 აკრძალული

🇦🇿 qadağan edilmiş

🇲🇽 prohibido

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,616 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.