barrierbarrier /ˈbæriɚ/ ●●○ noun [countable] 1
a rule, problem, etc. that prevents people from doing something, or limits what they can do: Their attempt to reduce trade barriers failed.barrier to A lack of education is a barrier to many good jobs.barrier between Ballet is entertainment without a language barrier (=problem caused by not speaking someone’s language).2a type of fence or gate that prevents people from moving in a particular direction: The police put up barriers to hold back the crowds.3a physical object that keeps two areas, people, etc. apart: The mountains form a natural barrier between the two countries.4the 10 second/40% etc. barrier a level or amount of 10 seconds, 40%, etc. that is seen as a limit which it is difficult to get beyond: It may be possible to push the inflation rate below the 3% barrier. → see also sound barrier
a rule, problem, etc. that prevents people from doing something, or limits what they can do: Their attempt to reduce trade barriers failed.barrier to A lack of education is a barrier to many good jobs.barrier between Ballet is entertainment without a language barrier (=problem caused by not speaking someone’s language).2a type of fence or gate that prevents people from moving in a particular direction: The police put up barriers to hold back the crowds.3a physical object that keeps two areas, people, etc. apart: The mountains form a natural barrier between the two countries.4the 10 second/40% etc. barrier a level or amount of 10 seconds, 40%, etc. that is seen as a limit which it is difficult to get beyond: It may be possible to push the inflation rate below the 3% barrier. → see also sound barrier