Definitions
01physical obstruction
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a physical object like a fence or wall that stops people or vehicles from passing.
n. a physical structure or object that prevents movement or separates two areas.
“The police put up a metal barrier to keep the crowd away from the stage.”
“Concrete barriers were installed along the highway to prevent vehicles from crossing into the path of oncoming traffic during the construction phase.”
02abstract obstacle
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a rule, situation, or problem that prevents someone from doing something or succeeding.
n. an abstract circumstance or obstacle that impedes progress, communication, or social integration.
Español:barrera
“The high cost of university can be a major barrier for many students.”
“Language barriers often hinder effective collaboration between international teams, even when all members share a common technical background.”
Synonyms
03biological membrane
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. a layer in the body that lets some things in but keeps harmful things out.
n. a physiological structure, such as the blood-brain barrier, that regulates the passage of substances between different compartments of the body.
“The skin acts as a natural barrier against germs and infections.”
“The blood-brain barrier is highly selective, protecting the central nervous system from potentially neurotoxic substances circulating in the blood.”
04to block
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to close off or block a place using a barrier.
v. to obstruct or enclose a space by means of a physical barrier. Transitive use is less common than the noun form.
“Workers began to barrier the construction site to keep the public safe.”
“The authorities decided to barrier the entrance to the cave after several hikers became lost in the unmapped tunnels.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “barrier” in context.
Verb
01. constitute barrier
“The high cost of tuition can constitute a barrier for many talented students.”
verb + noun
02. create barrier
“Language differences often create a barrier to effective communication.”
verb + noun
03. provide barrier
“The new fence was designed to provide a barrier against noise from the highway.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. barrier major
“Lack of funding is a major barrier to the completion of the project.”
adj + noun
05. barrier obvious
“The most obvious barrier to entry in this market is the high initial investment.”
adj + noun
06. barrier potential
“We need to identify every potential barrier before we launch the new software.”
adj + noun
07. barrier real
“For many elderly people, the digital divide is a real barrier to accessing services.”
adj + noun
08. barrier social
“The program aims to break down the social barrier between different communities.”
adj + noun
09. barrier substantial
“The legal requirements proved to be a substantial barrier for the small startup.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The 25-year-old said the cost was the "biggest barrier" to local people getting the full festival experience.” “The takeaways: break down barriers, embrace difference, be our true selves, clap along together and swish your skirts while you’re at it.” Etymology
From Middle English barryer, barrere, barryȝer, from Old French barriere (compare French barrière), from Old French barre (“bar”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/barrier
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0