/ ˈhɜːdl; NAmE ˈhɜːrdl/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
each of a series of vertical frames that a person or horse jumps over in a race :
His horse fell at the final hurdle.
to clear a hurdle (= jump over it successfully)
2.
hurdles [ pl. ] a race in which runners or horses have to jump over hurdles :
the 300 m hurdles
—picture at hurdling
3.
a problem or difficulty that must be solved or dealt with before you can achieve sth
SYN obstacle :
The next hurdle will be getting her parents' agreement.
■ verb
1.
hurdle (over) sth to jump over sth while you are running :
[ vn ]
He hurdled two barriers to avoid reporters.
[ v ]
to hurdle over a fence
2.
[ v ] to run in a hurdles race
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English hyrdel temporary fence , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch horde and German Hürde .