Barred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'barred'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'barred' originated from the Middle English word 'barre', which meant 'a piece of wood or metal fixed across a door or gate to keep it closed'. Over time, the term evolved to signify being prevented or forbidden from doing something. The concept of 'barred' has been used in various contexts, including legal, sports, and social settings.


See also: bar, barb, barbel, barge, baron, barrel, barrier, bars, rebar.

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.