n.
Pronunciation: ' ber- ē - ə r, ' ba-r ē -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English barrere, from Anglo-French, from barre bar
Date: 14th century
1 a : something material that blocks or is intended to block passage <highway barrier s > <a barrier contraceptive> b : a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action <geographic barrier s to species dissemination> < barrier beaches> <drugs that cross the placental barrier >
2 plural often capitalized : a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them
3 : something immaterial that impedes or separates : OBSTACLE <behavioral barrier s > <trade barrier s >