barrier in English
- barrier⇄barrier, noun, verb.
- barrier⇄expr. barriers, (Historical.) the palisades enclosing the ground where a tournament was held; lists.
Ex. At length the barriers were opened, and five knights advanced slowly into the area (Scott). - barrier⇄noun 1. something that stands in the way; something stopping progress or preventing approach; obstacle.
Ex. A dam is a barrier holding back water. (Figurative.) Lack of water was a barrier to settling much of New Mexico.
(SYN) bar, hindrance - barrier⇄v.t. to shut in or off by a barrier.
(SYN) barricade.
barrier in Kashmiri कॉशुर
barrier in Sindhi سنڌي
Barrier
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈbærɪər/
Definitions
- Noun: A physical object or structure that blocks or obstructs passage or movement.
- Noun: A situation or condition that prevents something from happening or progressing.
- Noun: A psychological or emotional obstacle or hindrance, often in the context of communication or personal growth.
Usage Examples
- The protesters set up barriers to block the road and prevent the police from advancing.
- Language can be a significant barrier in cross-cultural communication.
- His fear of failure became a barrier to his personal development.
Etymology
The word "barrier" comes from the Old French "barriere," which itself is derived from "barre," meaning a bar or beam used to block or restrict movement. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a structure or obstacle that impedes progress or movement.
Synonyms
- Obstacle
- Hindrance
- Block
- Impediment
- Fence
Antonyms
- Access
- Entry
- Path
- Gateway
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Barrera | /baˈreɾa/ |
| French | Barrière | /baʁjɛʁ/ |
| German | Barriere | /baʁiˈʁeːʁə/ |
| Italian | Barriera | /barˈrjeːra/ |
| Portuguese | Barrera | /baˈʁeɾa/ |
| Chinese | 障碍 | /zhàng'ài/ |
| Japanese | 障害物 | /shōgaibutsu/ |
| Korean | 장애물 | /jang-aemul/ |
| Russian | Барьер | /barr'er/ |
| Arabic | حاجز | /ḥājiz/ |
| Hindi | बैरियर | /bairiyar/ |
| Bengali | বাঁধা | /bāndhā/ |
| Punjabi | ਬੈਰੀਅਰ | /bairiyar/ |
| Telugu | అడ్డంకి | /aḍḍan̄ki/ |
| Tamil | தடை | /taṭai/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In American English, the "r" sound is pronounced more distinctly than in British English, where it is often softer.
- In Australian English, the pronunciation may vary, with some speakers using a more elongated "a" sound in "barrier."
Historical Usage
The word "barrier" has been used historically to refer to physical barriers such as walls, gates, and fences, which were used in warfare, trade, and territorial demarcation. Over time, its usage expanded to include metaphorical barriers such as social, racial, or economic obstacles.
Cultural Nuances
In some cultures, barriers may represent not just physical obstructions but also social norms or taboos that limit people's freedom or opportunities. For example, in literature, the concept of a "barrier" can represent societal restrictions or challenges that characters must overcome to achieve personal growth or social change.
More Information
Barriers can take many forms, from physical structures like fences and walls to abstract concepts such as language, cultural differences, and social norms. Understanding and overcoming barriers—whether they are physical, psychological, or social—is often a central theme in fields such as politics, sociology, psychology, and conflict resolution. Barriers can sometimes protect or isolate, but they can also contribute to division, conflict, and inequality. As societies evolve, efforts to break down barriers often lead to significant social and political change.