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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Barrier: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：physical blockade (barrier)

barrier 🔊

/ˈbæriə(r)/

Something physical that blocks your way or stops you from going somewhere.

Barrier illustration: concrete highway divider blocking traffic lanes

physical blockade 🔊

➕

/ˈfɪzɪkəl blɒˈkeɪd/

A physical object that blocks or hinders movement or access.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'barriere', from 'barre' (bar, rod). Literally 'something made of bars'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a BAR in a road that makes you REAR back because you can't pass.

📖 Example

For safety, a strong concrete barrier separates the two sides of the busy highway. 🔊 For safety, a strong concrete barrier separates the two sides of the busy highway.

🔗 Collocations

crash barrier – a protective barrier on roads to prevent vehicles from leaving the road

sound barrier – the sharp increase in air resistance as an object approaches the speed of sound

trade barrier – a government restriction on international trade

🔄 Synonyms

obstacle (n.) – something that blocks one's way or hinders progress

blockade (n.) – an act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving

fence (n.) – a barrier enclosing an area, typically made of posts and wire or wood

🚫 Antonyms

entrance (n.) – an opening that allows access to a place

opening (n.) – a gap or hole that allows passage

access (n.) – the means or opportunity to approach or enter a place

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old French, relating to 'barre' (a rod or beam). Originally referred to a palisade or gate made of bars, used for defense or to block passage. Evolved to describe any obstacle, physical or abstract.

Meaning 2：communication impediment (barrier)

barrier 🔊

/ˈbæriə(r)/

Something not physical, like an attitude or a rule, that stops people from communicating, understanding each other, or making progress.

Barrier concept: transparent panel hindering communication between two people

communication impediment 🔊

➕

/kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən ɪmˈpedɪmənt/

A non-physical obstacle, such as an attitude, rule, or difference, that prevents communication, understanding, or progress.

📁 Category：Language Evolution 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

When she first moved abroad, the language barrier made simple tasks like shopping feel very challenging. 🔊 When she first moved abroad, the language barrier made simple tasks like shopping feel very challenging.

🔗 Collocations

language barrier – difficulty in communication due to speaking different languages

cultural barrier – obstacles to understanding arising from cultural differences

break down barriers – to remove obstacles that prevent communication or cooperation

🔄 Synonyms

hindrance (n.) – a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction

impediment (n.) – a hindrance or obstruction in doing something

obstruction (n.) – a thing that impedes or prevents passage or progress

🚫 Antonyms

bridge (n.) – something that connects or reduces differences

link (n.) – a connection or relationship between things

facilitator (n.) – something that makes an action or process easier