Hurdle

Quick meaning: Hurdle is a noun meaning (athletics, equestrianism) An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which athletes or horses jump in a race.

Meaning

(athletics, equestrianism) An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which athletes or horses jump in a race.

More Meanings

1. (figuratively) An obstacle, real or perceived, physical or abstract.
2. (UK, historical) A sled or crate on which criminals were drawn to the place of execution.
3. (chess) A piece that is jumped over by a hopper piece.
4. To jump over something while running.
5. To compete in the track and field events of hurdles (e.g. high hurdles).
6. To overcome an obstacle.
7. A movable frame of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes and stakes, or sometimes of iron, used for enclosing land, for folding sheep and cattle, for gates, etc.; also, in fortification, used as revetments, and for other purposes.

Example Sentences

He ran in the 100 metres hurdles.

The practice of folding sheep was general, and the purchase of hurdles was a regular charge in the shepherd's account.

Such a crew! Ah! many a wretch has rid on hurdles who has done less mischief than these utterers of forged Tales, coiners of Scandal, and clippers of Reputation.

In treason, the corporal punishment is by drawing on hurdle from the place of the prison to the place of execution, and by hanging and being cut down alive, bowelling, and quartering: and in women by burning.

Word Forms

• hurdles
• hurdling
• hurdled

Synonyms for hurdle

Depending on context, synonyms include vault.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include vault, leap, fence, barrier, pitfall, threshold.

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