barrier

noun countable

US /ˈberiər/

Word Forms

singular	barrier
plural	barriers

1
a bar or gate that stops people or vehicles from entering a place
Fans broke through the barriers and rushed onto the field.
Synonyms and related words
Fences and boundaries
abuttals
balustrade
barbed wire
1. 1a
  something that separates one thing from another
  The river is the last barrier between the rebel army and the city.
  Synonyms and related words
  Objects used to separate things or mark where things are
  separator
  marker
  divider
2
anything that prevents progress or makes it difficult for someone to achieve something
These regulations would place barriers in the way of genetic research.
barrier to:
Disability need not be a barrier to a successful career.
High levels of debt are a major barrier to economic development.
Synonyms and related words
Things that make things difficult
problem
obstacle
complication
1. 2a
  something that prevents people from communicating, working together, etc.
  Language differences did not appear to be a barrier.
  cultural barriers
  break down barriers:
  We’re trying to break down barriers between young people from both communities.
  Synonyms and related words
  Things that make things difficult
  problem
  obstacle
  complication
2. 2b
  a number, limit, or level that is considered important because it is difficult to go past
  go through/break a barrier:
  the day the stock market broke the 10,000 barrier
  The figure for inflation could go through the 5 percent barrier.
  Synonyms and related words
  Limits, controls and ranges
  red line
  limit
  constraint

barrier ​‌‌

barrier ​‌‌

barrier

barrier