Hurdled: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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