noun / verb / preposition
bar
A long rigid piece placed across an opening or surface.
A heavy iron bar secures the gate from inside.
Etymology
Old French barre named a bar or barrier. A rigid piece laid across an opening supplies the central image, extending from the object itself to blocking passage or access.
More examples
- Fallen trees barred the road after the storm.
- She bought a bar of dark chocolate.
- Everyone, bar one absent member, voted for the plan.
Forms
bar · bars · barred · barring
Similar words
- rod
- Usually emphasizes a slender shape rather than obstruction.
- barrier
- May block passage without being a rigid straight piece.