barrier
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbær.i.ər/US/ˈber.i.ɚ/
A fence, wall, or other obstacle that prevents movement or access; something that blocks or separates, or makes progress difficult.
Example Sentences
The construction crew set up a barrier to keep pedestrians away from the worksite.
Language differences often act as a barrier to effective communication in international business settings.
They installed a temporary barrier on the road while they carried out urgent repairs, causing drivers to take an alternate route through neighboring streets.
She felt that the lack of proper technology in the classroom was a major barrier to modernized education for her students.
A high barrier around the facility prevented unauthorized personnel from entering the premises.
To address environmental challenges, scientists are researching biodegradable materials that could replace plastic barriers and reduce pollution in marine habitats.
He overcame every barrier in his path, relentlessly pursuing his goal with unwavering determination until he achieved it.
Even when social and cultural barriers seemed insurmountable, they worked tirelessly as a community to foster understanding, collaboration, and unity among diverse groups.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A structure or concept preventing passage, progress, or interaction.“Barrier” is primarily a noun used to describe something that blocks or limits access, movement, or understanding. You might see physical barriers—like walls, fences, or roadblocks—installed to separate areas or protect certain spaces. For example, you might say, “We need a barrier at the end of the driveway to keep children safe.” Barriers can also be intangible, such as language barriers or cultural barriers, which impede clear communication or connection among individuals. In these contexts, “barrier” highlights the challenges of bridging differences, whether linguistic, social, or psychological. When employing “barrier” in writing, you can specify its type or role. If you’re describing a safety scenario, you might say, “A sturdy barrier separates the crowd from the stage,” emphasizing physical protection. In strategic or metaphorical discussions, “We are working to break down barriers to equal education” conveys an effort to remove obstacles to opportunity. Because the word underscores obstruction, it signals something that must be surmounted or circumvented. In spoken interactions, “barrier” can be used literally (“We built a barrier to stop the floodwater”) or figuratively (“There’s a serious barrier to honest communication in this team”). Either usage clarifies the notion of something standing in the way. Remember that additional descriptors—like “impenetrable,” “invisible,” or “temporary”—can help contextualize a barrier’s nature or urgency. By applying “barrier” precisely and pairing it with supporting details, you can give shape to boundaries that are both visible and conceptual, enhancing clarity in everything from casual conversation to detailed documentation.
Alternatives
If you want to convey the idea of an obstacle without saying “barrier,” there are several alternatives available, each highlighting different shades of meaning. “Obstacle” itself emphasizes a challenge or hindrance that needs to be overcome, usually in a broad sense. “Hurdle” can imply something that must be leapt or cleared, often used figuratively, such as “overcoming a hurdle in life.” “Blockade” or “roadblock” can lean more physical and urgent, implying a deliberate or forceful obstruction designed to stop movement or progress. For intangible blockages, “impediment” is a more formal word that covers everything from speech difficulties to policy issues. In certain scenarios, “wall” might serve as a more concrete alternative, underscoring physical separation or psychological distance (“He put up a wall between himself and the rest of the group”). “Fence” can also illustrate physical division but might suggest something less imposing or permanent than a wall. If you’re dealing with technological or bureaucratic contexts, “firewall,” “threshold,” or “limitation” could be relevant. Each word carries its own connotation, so choosing carefully ensures that you capture the exact nuance of the situation—be it strategic, emotional, structural, or legal. By shifting among these synonyms, you avoid repetitive usage of “barrier” and add layers of precision to your discussion of obstacles and boundaries.
Writing
In written works, “barrier” can anchor both concrete descriptions and symbolic themes. When discussing physical boundaries, such as fences and partitions, detail aspects like height, material, and purpose—information that helps readers imagine whether it’s a simple picket fence or a towering wall. This precision is crucial in journalism, technical reports, or academic papers, offering clarity on safety standards, building materials, or the context behind a specific structure. If your focus is more conceptual, such as sociopolitical barriers or those experienced by marginalized groups, consider outlining how these barriers arise, whom they affect, and why they persist. For instance, “Institutional barriers often hinder access to education, impacting individuals from low-income backgrounds.” By adding data, examples, or firsthand accounts, you humanize what might otherwise feel abstract. Crafting a nuanced argument—whether you’re spotlighting a societal hurdle or a physical blockade—lets your audience understand the real-world implications. In creative writing, using “barrier” can generate tension or conflict, reflecting an impediment the protagonist must overcome. A single word like “barrier” can carry thematic weight, symbolizing an emotional or psychological boundary. Whether you’re portraying characters trapped behind physical obstacles or grappling with personal limitations, carefully placed descriptive language can amplify readers’ empathy and engagement. By weaving subtle detail into each mention, you invite readers to sense the urgency or importance surrounding that barrier, giving your narrative depth and resonance.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “barrier” often describes anything that gets in the way of progress. You might say, “We set up a barrier in the driveway so the kids wouldn’t run into the street,” clarifying a simple, practical use. Or you might note, “There’s a language barrier between me and my new coworker,” acknowledging a linguistic challenge that can slow communication. The word itself is straightforward and typically understood, so it’s fine to use in quick chats about everyday obstacles—physical, mental, or emotional.If you’re recounting an event—maybe a neighborhood block party—you could explain, “We placed barriers to redirect traffic for everyone’s safety.” This helps convey the organization and thought behind an activity. If discussing personal growth, “I need to break past my mental barriers to improve at public speaking” frames a self-imposed limitation in terms of something that can be overcome. Casually employing “barrier” in these contexts is an easy way to show you’re aware of a problem or boundary and are taking steps to manage it. Whether referencing a low fence or a mindset that’s tough to shift, “barrier” remains a go-to term that succinctly highlights the challenge at hand without unnecessary complexity.
Etymology
The term “barrier” comes from the Old French “barriere,” which in turn traces back to the word “barre” meaning a bar or rod. Initially, a “barre” was used physically to block passage or demarcate boundaries. This evolved into broader contexts, leading to “barrier” as an English word referring to any method or structure used to hinder, separate, or protect. Over time, the concept expanded beyond simple physical bars or gates to include more abstract forms of obstruction—cultural, linguistic, or psychological obstacles that prevent free movement or communication. In historical settings, barriers were crucial for city defenses or fortress walls, controlling entries and exits. In medieval tournaments, barriers marked off jousting areas to safeguard spectators and participants. As society advanced, “barrier” came to signify mental or social impediments, illustrating that not all boundaries are built from wood or stone. Today, in global discourse, phrases like “barrier to entry” describe challenges businesses or individuals face when entering a market or industry, capturing both tangible and intangible difficulties. Throughout its evolution, the word “barrier” has continued to evoke the core notion of separation, caution, or restriction—whether that separation is literal (a fence on a property line) or figurative (an educational gap across cultures).
