Barrier — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈber-ē-ər/ bar·ri·er

Meaning & Definition of Barrier

Barrier (noun)

  1. something material that blocks or is intended to block passage
  2. a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action
  3. a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them

Barrier (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a physical object that blocks the way

    "there was a big barrier plastered with signs saying Keep Out around the trash compactor"

    similar: barricade, fence, hedge, wall
    related: bar, pale, paling, block, chain, clog, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, handicap, hindrance, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, obstacle, obstruction, roadblock, stop, stumbling block, trammel, fetter, hobble, manacle, shackle(s), constraint, curb, restraint, snag, buffer, bulwark, bumper, cushion, dam, fender, pad, rampart
    near: door, doorway, entrance, entranceway, entry, entryway, gate, portal, break, gap, pass

Related Entry: Barrier reef (noun)

Barrier reef is a different word from Barrier. The synonyms below are for barrier reef, not for barrier.

  1. as in coral reef, key

    similar: atoll, cay, coral reef, key, island, isle, islet
    opposite: continent, main, mainland

Related Entry: Barrier reefs (noun)

Barrier reefs is a different word from Barrier. The synonyms below are for barrier reefs, not for barrier.

  1. as in coral reefs, keys

    similar: atolls, cays, coral reefs, keys, islands, isles, islets
    opposite: continents, mainlands, mains

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Barrier

The most common words with a similar meaning to Barrier:

barricade, fence, hedge, wall

Related Words for Barrier

bar, pale, paling, block, chain, clog, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, handicap, hindrance, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, obstacle, obstruction, roadblock, stop, stumbling block, trammel, fetter, hobble, manacle, shackle(s), constraint, curb

Near Antonyms of Barrier

door, doorway, entrance, entranceway, entry, entryway, gate, portal, break, gap, pass

Origin & Etymology of Barrier

Middle English barrere, from Anglo-French, from barre bar

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Barrier

Words & Phrases Containing Barrier

barrier island, barrier reef, blood-brain barrier, Jersey barrier, sonic barrier, sound barrier, vapor barrier, crash barrier

Frequently Asked Questions about Barrier

What does "Barrier" mean?

"Barrier" means something material that blocks or is intended to block passage. As a noun, it is defined as: something material that blocks or is intended to block passage.

What is another word for "Barrier"?

Other words for "Barrier" include barricade, fence, hedge and wall. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Barrier" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Barrier"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Barrier". Common alternatives include barricade, fence, hedge and wall.

How do you use "Barrier" in a sentence?

Examples of "Barrier" in a sentence: "there was a big barrier plastered with signs saying Keep Out around the trash compactor".

Is "Barrier" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Barrier" is a noun.

Is "Barrier" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Barrier" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Barrier"?

"Barrier" is pronounced /ˈber-ē-ər/ and divided into syllables as bar·ri·er.

What is the origin of the word "Barrier"?

"Barrier" comes from Middle English barrere, from Anglo-French, from barre bar. First known use: 14th century.