noun / verb
hurdle
HUR-duhl/ˈhɜːrdl/
An obstacle positioned for a runner to jump over.
The runner clears the hurdle on the track.
Etymology
A hyrdel was a woven frame used as a temporary barrier. Through the later sense of a barrier jumped in a race, hurdle became a figurative name for a difficulty that must be overcome.
In context
the logistical acquisition challenge is probably the biggest hurdle for a professional facilitator
More examples
- The coach lowers the hurdles for the younger runners.
- She hurdles each barrier with a quick, smooth jump.
- He competes in the hurdles at school track meets.
Forms
hurdle · hurdles · hurdled · hurdling
hurdler noun — A runner who races over hurdles.