Barrier
Word of the Day
What is Barrier?
noun
A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Selected to honor Jackie Robinson Day, symbolizing the breaking of racial barriers in American sports.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The language barrier made the negotiations difficult.
The mountain range acts as a natural barrier between the two regions.
She broke through the barrier of fear and finally spoke out.
Word Origins
From Old French barriere, meaning “obstacle” or “defense”.
Used historically in architecture and military; now also common in social and emotional contexts.
First appearance in English: 14th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
They built a barrier to stop the flood.
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Verb:
They barred the road after the accident.
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Adjective:
Entry was denied through the barred gate.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: barrera
- French: barrière
- German: Barriere
- Italian: barriera
- Portuguese: barreira
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Impediment
More formal or medical term, often used for speech or legal obstructions.
Obstruction
Carries a more aggressive or disruptive connotation — a barrier with intent to block.
Hindrance
A softer word suggesting inconvenience or delay rather than a hard stop.
Threshold
Not a block, but a boundary or edge you must cross — often metaphorical and tied to growth or change.
Fun Facts
- The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest coral reef system in the world.
- Barriers are commonly used as metaphors in psychology to describe mental blocks or defense mechanisms.
Cultural Usage
- Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, becoming the first Black player in the modern era.
- The song “Break the Barrier” became an anthem for those overcoming oppression and social limitations.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “barricade” — a barrier is any obstacle, while a barricade is built intentionally to block.
Micro Story
When he stepped onto that field in 1947, he didn’t just play ball — he shattered a barrier that stood for centuries.