barrier

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Something that stops you from making progress or reaching a goal.

   For many students, the cost of university is a major barrier.

2. 2
   noun

   A structure that blocks the way or stops people passing.

   Police put up barriers to hold back the crowd.

3. 3
   noun

   A limit that is hard to go beyond.

   Few runners can break the two-hour marathon barrier.

From Middle English barryer, barrere, barryȝer, from Old French barriere (compare French barrière), from Old French barre (“bar”).

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