English > barrier: 3 senses > noun 1, artifact| Meaning | A structure or object that impedes free movement. |
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| Narrower | bannister, banister, balustrade, balusters, handrail | A railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling |
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| barricade | A barrier (usually thrown up hastily) to impede the advance of an enemy / enemy |
| breakwater, groin, groyne, mole, bulwark, seawall, jetty | A protective structure of stone or concrete |
| bulwark | A fencelike structure around a deck (usually plural) |
| crash barrier | A strong protective barrier that is erected around a racetrack or in the middle of a dual-lane highway in order to reduce the likelihood of severe accidents |
| dam, dike, dyke | A barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea |
| fence, fencing | A barrier that serves to enclose an area |
| fender, wing | A barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud |
| grate, grating | A barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air |
| hurdle | A light movable barrier that competitors must leap over in certain races |
| movable barrier | A barrier that can be moved to allow passage |
| railing, rail | A barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports |
| revetment | A barrier against explosives |
| roadblock, barricade | A barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic / traffic etc. |
| starting gate, starting stall | A movable barrier on the starting line of a race course |
| Broader | obstruction, obstructor, obstructer, impediment, impedimenta | Any structure that makes progress difficult |
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| Spanish | barrera, obstáculo |
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| Catalan | barrera, obstacle |
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