What does "barred" mean?

1. (having stripes) having a pattern of stripes or bands of different colours. 2. (blocked or excluded) prevented from entering a place or doing an activity. 3. (high on Xanax) feeling very sleepy or high after taking too much Xanax.

How do you use "barred"?

Often used in the phrase 'barred out'.

barred

adj.

US //ˈbɑɹd// UK //bˈɑːd// barred

1 having stripes (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having a pattern of stripes or bands of different colours.

marked with stripes, bands, or bars of a contrasting colour or texture.

Example

The barred owl is easy to recognise because of the brown stripes on its chest.

Example

The biologist noted the distinct barred pattern on the bird's wings, which served as an effective camouflage against the forest floor.
- solid
- plain
2 blocked or excluded (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

prevented from entering a place or doing an activity.

excluded from a place, profession, or privilege; obstructed by a physical or legal barrier.

Example

He was barred from the club after he started a fight with the staff.

Example

The athlete found himself barred from international competition following a series of controversial statements regarding the governing body's integrity.
- allowed
- permitted

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3 high on Xanax (adj.)
C1 Advanced Slang

feeling very sleepy or high after taking too much Xanax.

intoxicated or heavily sedated specifically by the consumption of alprazolam (Xanax) tablets, which are often shaped like bars.

Example

He was so barred that he couldn't even remember the conversation we had.

Example

The lyrics frequently reference being barred out, reflecting a specific subculture's preoccupation with prescription drug abuse.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'barred out'.

Teacher's tip

This is highly informal and specific to drug culture; learners should be aware of it but avoid using it in professional or general social contexts.
- sober