barrier · noun C /ˈbær.i.ər/
barrier (FENCE)
B2 a type of fence that stops people from going into an area
Dictionary example:
Barriers have been erected all along the route the Pope will take.
Learner example:
Only these people can open the barrier with their keys. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)
barrier (PREVENTING)
B2 something that prevents people from doing what they want to do
Dictionary examples:
Despite the language barrier, they soon became good friends.
Shyness is one of the biggest barriers to making friends.
We have to work at breaking down barriers between the two communities.
Learner example:
I think I could be good at this job because I could plan safety programmes in case of an emergency and the language barrier would not be a problem if a spectator or a sportsman ask[ed] me [for] information. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)
