Hurdled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hurdled

[ˈhɜːrdəld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

athletic competition

Hurdled refers to the act of jumping over a barrier or obstacle, typically seen in sports such as track and field. It often involves running with speed and leaping over hurdles placed along a designated path.

Synonyms

jumped, leaped, vaulted.

Examples of usage

  • She hurdled over the bar in the high jump.
  • He expertly hurdled the obstacles during the race.
  • They trained hard to improve their hurdled performance.

Translations

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Origin of 'hurdled'

The word 'hurdle' comes from the Middle English word 'hirdele', which means a physical barrier or a fence. Its origins can be traced back to the Old French word 'hordel', a diminutive of 'horde', which means a fold or pen for animals. The term originally referred to a type of fencing used to enclose livestock. Over time, 'hurdle' evolved to describe any kind of obstacle that one might leap over, particularly in the context of running races. The incorporation of hurdles into competitive athletics became prominent in the 19th century, especially with the establishment of modern athletics and track events. As a result, the word has transitioned to denote both the act of jumping over such barriers and the barriers themselves, particularly in sports contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,138, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.