Barrier: meaning, definitions and examples

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barrier

 

[หˆbรฆr.i.ษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

road construction

A barrier is a structure that is placed across a road, path, or open space to prevent movement or to control access.

Synonyms

barricade, blockade, fence, obstacle.

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Word Description / Examples
barrier

A structure or object that restricts movement or access. It's often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • There was a barrier across the road preventing cars from passing.
  • Fear can be a significant barrier to progress.
obstacle

An object or situation that hinders progress or movement. It's commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • The fallen tree was an obstacle on the path.
  • She overcame many obstacles to achieve her dream.
blockade

An act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving, commonly used in military or political contexts.

  • The navy set up a blockade to stop supplies from reaching the enemy.
  • The economic blockade had severe effects on the country's economy.
barricade

A temporary structure quickly set up to block movement, often used during protests or emergencies.

  • Protesters built a barricade to block the street.
  • The police set up barricades to control the crowd.
fence

A physical structure, usually made of wood or metal, that encloses an area to provide security or privacy.

  • They installed a fence around their garden.
  • The prison had a high fence to prevent inmates from escaping.

Examples of usage

  • The workers placed barriers on the road to redirect traffic.
  • The barriers were removed once the construction was completed.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

A barrier is something that prevents communication or interaction with others, usually due to emotional reasons.

Synonyms

block, hindrance, obstacle, wall.

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Word Description / Examples
barrier

Used to describe a physical or metaphorical obstacle that prevents movement or progress.

  • The language barrier made communication difficult
  • The construction workers set up barriers around the site
obstacle

Refers to something that stands in the way of progress or achievement, can be physical or non-physical.

  • The biggest obstacle to success is often fear of failure
  • The mountain posed a significant obstacle to the hikers
hindrance

Implies something that causes delay or difficulty in achieving something, usually with a more negative connotation.

  • Her shyness was a hindrance to her career advancement
  • The heavy rain was a hindrance during our hike
block

Often denotes a substantial or complete prevention of progress or action, can be physical or abstract.

  • A fallen tree blocked the road
  • Financial issues are a major block to starting new projects
wall

Usually describes a vertical structure or metaphorical barrier that blocks movement or access.

  • They built a wall around the garden for privacy
  • She felt like she was hitting a wall in her research

Examples of usage

  • She has built a barrier around herself after the traumatic experience.
  • The language barrier made it difficult for them to understand each other.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'barrier' comes from the Old French word 'barriere', which means a fence or a railing.
  • It was used in the English language since the 15th century, primarily in the context of boundaries and limits.

Psychology

  • Barriers can be physical, like walls, or psychological, like fear, which prevent people from achieving their goals.
  • People often create mental barriers based on past experiences, which can hinder their ability to take risks.

Sociology

  • Social barriers, like prejudice and discrimination, can prevent people from accessing opportunities and equality.
  • Economic barriers often refer to financial limitations that restrict access to education or health care.

Technology

  • In technology, there are barriers to entry in industries, meaning high costs or technical expertise needed to enter a market.
  • Some devices use barriers in the form of passwords and firewalls to protect information and resources from unauthorized access.

Environment

  • Natural barriers like mountains and rivers can influence migration patterns of species and humans.
  • Conservation efforts often work to remove barriers, such as dams, to restore natural habitats and wildlife movement.

Translations

Translations of the word "barrier" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น barreira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคงเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Barriere

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penghalang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐั€'ั”ั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bariera

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้šœๅฃ (ใ—ใ‚‡ใ†ใธใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท barriรจre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ barrera

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท baraj

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žฅ๋ฒฝ (jangbyeok)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุงุฌุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bariรฉra

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bariรฉra

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฑ้šœ (pรญngzhร ng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ovira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skili

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตะดะตั€ะณั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ maneษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ barrera

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,360, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.