barrier

The definition of a barrier is anything, either natural or manmade, that keeps something from passing through.

(noun)

An example of a barrier is a fence.

See barrier in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Obsolete a fortress, stockade, etc. for defending an entrance or gate
a thing that prevents passage or approach; obstruction, as a fence, wall, etc.
anything that holds apart, separates, or hinders: racial barriers, barriers to progress
a customs gate on a country's border
ice shelf
a high fence of stakes enclosing the area in which a tournament of knights was held; lists
Horse Racing the movable gate used to keep the horses in line at the starting point

Origin: ME barrere < OFr barriere < barre, bar

See barrier in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A structure, such as a fence, built to bar passage.
Something immaterial that obstructs or impedes: Intolerance is a barrier to understanding. See Synonyms at obstacle.
Physiology A membrane, tissue, or mechanism that blocks the passage of certain substances.
Ecology A physical or biological factor that limits the migration, interbreeding, or free movement of individuals or populations.
A boundary or limit.
Something that separates or holds apart.
A movable gate that keeps racehorses in line before the start of a race.
The palisades or fences enclosing the lists of a medieval tournament. Often used in the plural.
Geology An ice barrier.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English barrer

Origin: , from Old French barriere

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *barrāria

Origin: , from *barra, bar

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