Wall: meaning, definitions and examples

A wall is used to describe a solid structure that divides or encloses an area, typically made of stone or brick. It is commonly used in both indoor and outdoor settings.

• The house has a tall wall around its garden.
• They painted the living room wall a bright blue.

A barrier is often used to describe something that obstructs or prevents movement or access. It can be physical or metaphorical.

• The construction site had a barrier to keep people out.
• Language can be a barrier to communication.

A partition is used to refer to a structure that divides a space into separate areas, often used indoors for dividing rooms or workspaces. It is usually not as solid or permanent as a wall.

• The office was divided by a glass partition.
• They installed a partition to create a separate dining area.

A fence is usually a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and is made of posts connected by boards, wire, or rails. It is often used for marking boundaries and providing security.

• They put up a fence to keep the dogs in the yard.
• The wooden fence needs to be repainted.

A general term for any physical or metaphorical barrier that separates or protects.

• A wall separates our garden from the street.
• He built an emotional wall to protect himself from getting hurt.

Refers specifically to a wide bank of earth, often topped by a wall, that is built to protect a place.

• They stood on the rampart, watching the enemy approach.
• The city was surrounded by high ramparts.

Used to describe something that acts as a strong, supportive defense, both literally and metaphorically.

• The navy serves as a bulwark against maritime threats.
• The law is a bulwark of democracy.

Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that strongly defends or upholds particular principles or practices.

• The university is considered a bastion of free speech.
• This old fortress is a bastion of the city's history.

Often used to describe a physical barrier or a significant obstacle, either literal or metaphorical.

• There was a tall wall surrounding the garden.
• He felt like he hit a wall in his career.

This word is often used to describe something that physically blocks a path or progress, and can have a negative connotation.

• There was an obstruction on the highway, causing traffic to back up.
• Their refusal to cooperate was viewed as an obstruction of justice.

Used to describe something that makes progress difficult but is not a complete stop; can be used in a negative sense.

• Her constant interruptions were a hindrance to the meeting.
• The heavy snow was a hindrance to our travel plans.

Often used to describe a factor that makes progress difficult or slow; frequently used in formal and legal contexts, sometimes with a negative connotation.

• His speech impediment did not stop him from becoming an eloquent speaker.
• The new law is seen as an impediment to small businesses.