barrier

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bar·ri·er / ˈbarēər/ • n. a fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access. ∎  a circumstance or obstacle that prevents communication or that keeps people or things apart: a language barrier. ∎  something that prevents progress or success: the cultural barriers to economic growth. ∎  the starting gate of a racecourse. ∎  (in full barrier island) a long narrow island lying parallel and close to the mainland, protecting the mainland from erosion and storms.PHRASES: break the barrier pass or exceed a significant level or amount: the Tokyo stock exchange reopened to break the 5000-yen barrier.

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