barrier
Pronunciation: /ˈbarɪə/
noun
- a fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access: the mountain barrier between Norway and Sweden
- British a gate at a car park or railway station that controls access by being raised or lowered.
- a circumstance or obstacle that keeps people or things apart or prevents communication or progress: a language barrier the cultural barriers to economic growth
Origin:
late Middle English (denoting a palisade or fortification defending an entrance): from Old French barriere, of unknown origin; related to barre