Hurdles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
hurdles
[หhษหrdlz ]
Definitions
track and field
Hurdles are a series of barriers or obstacles, typically made of wood or metal, that athletes must jump over during a race. Hurdles races are common in track and field competitions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hurdles |
Use this term when talking about challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome, especially in a step-by-step manner. It is often associated with athletics, but it can also be used metaphorically.
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| obstacles |
This term is suitable for discussing any kind of hindrance or difficulty that stands in the way of progress, more general than 'hurdles' or 'barriers' and can be used in a wide range of scenarios.
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| barriers |
This word is appropriate when discussing more substantial or systemic obstacles that prevent progress or access. Barriers often relate to social, economic, or physical constraints.
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| blocks |
Use this term for more immediate, tangible obstacles, often smaller in scale. Blocks can also refer to mental or emotional impediments.
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Examples of usage
- The runner stumbled at the last hurdle.
- She cleared all the hurdles effortlessly.
- He practiced jumping over hurdles to improve his speed.
challenges
Hurdles can also refer to challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome in order to achieve a goal. These hurdles can be physical, mental, or emotional.
Synonyms
challenges, difficulties, obstacles.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hurdles |
Typically used in situations where there are multiple small difficulties or steps to overcome, often in a linear or sequential manner.
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| challenges |
Used to describe tasks or situations that require effort, skill, or determination to overcome; can be neutral or positive.
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| obstacles |
Describes physical or metaphorical barriers that impede progress; used in a more significant, substantial sense.
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| difficulties |
Refer to general hardships or problems; often used in a straightforward way to describe things that are hard to manage or resolve.
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Examples of usage
- She faced many hurdles on her way to success.
- Overcoming financial hurdles was a major achievement for the company.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports History
- The origins of hurdles date back to ancient Greece, where athletes competed in jumping events at the first Olympic Games.
- Modern hurdle races became popular in the late 19th century, with standard heights and distances created to ensure fairness.
- The 110-meter hurdles for men and 100-meter hurdles for women are among the most watched events in track and field.
Science
- The biomechanics of hurdling reveal how athletes use their arms and legs in a synchronized fashion to maintain speed while clearing obstacles.
- Studies in sports science have shown that the rhythm and foot placement while approaching a hurdle can significantly impact a competitorโs performance.
- Hurdling improves agility, balance, and coordination, as athletes must navigate both speed and timing.
Literature
- Hurdles are often used as a metaphor in literature, symbolizing life's challenges and the determination needed to overcome them.
- Writers like Ernest Hemingway have described physical and personal hurdles that characters face in their journeys, reflecting struggles in real life.
- The imagery of overcoming hurdles frequently appears in motivational literature, encouraging readers to face their own obstacles.
Pop Culture
- Hurdles have influenced songs and films that depict personal growth, exemplifying the idea of overcoming barriers on the path to success.
- Famous athletes, like Olympic gold medalists, have shared their experiences of struggle and triumph over obstacles, resonating with audiences worldwide.
- Reality TV shows often use hurdles as a physical challenge to test contestants' resilience, embodying the spirit of competition.
Psychology
- Psychological studies indicate that facing and overcoming hurdles can enhance an individual's self-efficacy and belief in their capabilities.
- Visualization techniques, where athletes imagine themselves clearing hurdles, have been shown to improve performance and confidence.
- Resilience training often incorporates metaphorical hurdles to help individuals in therapy address and conquer personal challenges.
Origin of 'hurdles'
The word 'hurdles' originated from the Middle English word 'hurdell', which meant a temporary fence or structure. The use of hurdles in track and field dates back to ancient Greece, where athletes had to jump over obstacles during races. Over time, the term 'hurdles' evolved to represent not only physical barriers in sports but also metaphorical challenges in life.