barrier Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a structure or object that impedes free movement
noun any condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective
roadblock.
- intolerance is a barrier to understanding
noun anything serving to maintain separation by obstructing vision or access

OE. barrere, barere, F. barrière, fr. barre bar. See Bar, n.

(Fort.) A carpentry obstruction, stockade, or other obstacle made in a passage in order to stop an enemy.
A fortress or fortified town, on the frontier of a country, commanding an avenue of approach.
pl. A fence or railing to mark the limits of a place, or to keep back a crowd.
No sooner were the barriers opened, than he paced into the lists. Sir W. Scott.
An any obstruction; anything which hinders approach or attack. "Constitutional barriers." Hopkinson.
Any limit or boundary; a line of separation.
'Twixt that [instinct] and reason, what a nice barrier ! Pope.