# barricade

/ˈbæɹəˌkeɪd/ (US) · /bˈæɹɪkˌeɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barricade
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a wall or fence built quickly to block a road or path. People often use them to stop others from entering a place or to protect themselves during a fight.

For teachers: a temporary wall or barrier constructed to obstruct passage or provide protection. Often assembled from improvised materials such as vehicles, furniture, or debris during civil unrest or military operations.

## Examples

- The protesters built a barricade across the main street.
- Police officers stood behind a heavy metal barricade to manage the crowd during the parade.
- The rebels reinforced their makeshift barricade with sandbags and overturned carts, hoping to hold the narrow alleyway against the advancing security forces until nightfall.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'build', 'erect', or 'storm'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.