Barrier
/ˈbæriər/
nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
An obstacle that prevents movement or progress.
/ˈbæriər/
nounneutralBeginner
General
Something that prevents or hinders passage or progress.
The mountains formed a natural barrier.
💡 Simply: Something that stops you from going somewhere or doing something.
More Examples
2
Poverty is a major barrier to education.
How It's Used
Physics
"The energy barrier prevented the reaction from proceeding."
Social Sciences
"Language can be a barrier to communication."
Idioms & expressions
break down barriers
To overcome obstacles or differences.
"The new policy aims to break down barriers between different communities."
From Old French *barriere, from Old French barre "bar, barrier". Ultimately of Germanic origin.
The word 'barrier' has been used in English since the 15th century, initially referring to physical obstacles like gates and fences.
Memory tip
Think of a bar that blocks the way.
Practice
Base: barrier
barrerbarierbarrior
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written