bar·ri·er 
/ˈberijɚ/ noun
plural bar·ri·ers /ˈberijɚ/ noun [count] 1 : something (such as a fence or natural obstacle) that prevents or blocks movement from one place to another
▪ Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators. ▪ The tree's roots serve/act as a barrier against soil erosion. ▪ The mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries. ▪ barrier beaches — see also barrier island, barrier reef, crash barrier 2 a : a law, rule, problem, etc., that makes something difficult or impossible
▪ Both leaders are in favor of removing trade barriers. ▪ Cultural/social barriers have made it hard for women to enter many professions. ▪ He argues that regulations should not be viewed as barriers to progress.
b : something that makes it difficult for people to understand each other — often + between ▪ The lecture was about finding ways to break through barriers between the social classes. ▪ Age can be a big barrier between parents and children. ▪ A language barrier existed between the two countries. [=people in the two countries did not understand each other because they spoke different languages] 3 : a level, amount, or number that is difficult to get past
▪ His fastball broke the 100-mph barrier. [=he threw a baseball over 100 mph] ▪ a price barrier [=a price that is regarded as a limit] — see also sound barrier
▪ Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators. ▪ The tree's roots serve/act as a barrier against soil erosion. ▪ The mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries. ▪ barrier beaches — see also barrier island, barrier reef, crash barrier
▪ Both leaders are in favor of removing trade barriers. ▪ Cultural/social barriers have made it hard for women to enter many professions. ▪ He argues that regulations should not be viewed as barriers to progress.
b : something that makes it difficult for people to understand each other — often + between ▪ The lecture was about finding ways to break through barriers between the social classes. ▪ Age can be a big barrier between parents and children. ▪ A language barrier existed between the two countries. [=people in the two countries did not understand each other because they spoke different languages]
▪ His fastball broke the 100-mph barrier. [=he threw a baseball over 100 mph] ▪ a price barrier [=a price that is regarded as a limit] — see also sound barrier
