barrier
BAR-ee-er
/ˈbæriər/
A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access; a circumstance or obstacle that keeps people or things apart.
In healthcare, barriers can be physical (no ramps), financial (high costs), or linguistic (no translators).
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'barre', meaning a bar or rod. It originally referred to the physical bars used to lock gates or doors. In the 14th century, it began to be used for any kind of obstruction.
Word relationships
- obstacle: An obstacle is something you can potentially go around; a barrier is often more solid and preventative.
- impediment: An impediment slows you down; a barrier stops you.
- facilitator: A facilitator is something that makes a process easier or possible.
- access: Access is the ability to enter or use something, the opposite of being blocked by a barrier.
Commonly confused with
- hurdle: A hurdle is something you jump over; a barrier is something you must break through or remove.
Word family
- barricade (noun/verb): an improvised barrier that prevents passage.
Collocations
- language barrier
- entry barrier
- trade barrier
- break down barriers
Idioms & expressions
- break the ice
- cross the threshold
Example sentences
- "Language can be a significant barrier to receiving proper medical advice." Medical communication
- "The lack of public transportation acts as a physical barrier for elderly patients." Infrastructure
Memory hook
Think of a 'bar' blocking your way. A barrier is just a big bar. The bar is up; you can't pass.
When not to use
Don't use it for a simple 'problem' that doesn't actually stop progress; a barrier is a specific blockage.
Fun facts
- The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest physical barrier made by living organisms.
Related words
Also appears in
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