Word
barred
US/ˈbɑɹd/
UK/bˈɑːd/
Definitions
01having stripes
adj. having a pattern of stripes or bands of different colours.
adj. marked with stripes, bands, or bars of a contrasting colour or texture.
“The barred owl is easy to recognise because of the brown stripes on its chest.”
“The biologist noted the distinct barred pattern on the bird's wings, which served as an effective camouflage against the forest floor.”
02blocked or excluded
adj. prevented from entering a place or doing an activity.
adj. excluded from a place, profession, or privilege; obstructed by a physical or legal barrier.
“He was barred from the club after he started a fight with the staff.”
“The athlete found himself barred from international competition following a series of controversial statements regarding the governing body's integrity.”
03high on Xanax
adj. feeling very sleepy or high after taking too much Xanax.
adj. intoxicated or heavily sedated specifically by the consumption of alprazolam (Xanax) tablets, which are often shaped like bars.
“He was so barred that he couldn't even remember the conversation we had.”
“The lyrics frequently reference being barred out, reflecting a specific subculture's preoccupation with prescription drug abuse.”
Slang
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'barred out'.
Teaching 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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has emerged as the standard-bearer for Brazil’s right after his father was barred from running in the election.” “They have watched on as the Taliban barred access to school for girls over 12, restricted travel without a male chaperone and brought in a law implying legal approval for child marriage.” “A law approved by parliament in July would have barred under-15s from opening social media accounts from the beginning of September.” “If the authorities hadn't barred girls and young women from secondary schools and universities, many of the women in this workshop, including Naija's daughters, would be studying for a different kind of future.”