noun
barrier
BAIR-ee-er/ˈbæriər/
Something that blocks passage or progress.
The locked gate forms a barrier across the narrow footpath.
Etymology
Old French barriere is connected to barre, a bar or beam used to close an entrance. That concrete obstruction underlies the broader idea of anything blocking access or progress.
In context
there should be no barrier between the sanctuary between the people and the altar right it should just be free-flowing
More examples
- Language created a barrier during the first meeting.
- They removed several barriers to participation.
- A concrete barrier divided the lanes.
Forms
barrier · barriers
Similar words
- obstacle
- May impede progress without completely blocking passage.
- blockade
- A blockade is an organized restriction of passage rather than any obstruction.