hurdle

¹hur·dle

noun \ˈhər-d^əl\

Definition of HURDLE

1

a : a portable panel usually of wattled withes and stakes used especially for enclosing land or livestock

b : a frame or sled formerly used in England for dragging traitors to execution

2

a : an artificial barrier over which racers must leap

b plural : any of various track events in which a series of hurdles must be surmounted

3

: barrier, obstacle

Examples of HURDLE

1. He won a medal in the high hurdles.
2. The company faces severe financial hurdles this year.

Illustration of HURDLE

Origin of HURDLE

Middle English hurdel, from Old English hyrdel; akin to Old High German hurt hurdle, Latin cratis wickerwork, hurdle

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HURDLE

Synonyms

balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, encumbrance, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel

Related Words

catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship

Near Antonyms

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

Rhymes with HURDLE

curdle, girdle

²hurdle

transitive verb

hur·dledhur·dling \ˈhərd-liŋ, ˈhər-d^əl-iŋ\

Definition of HURDLE

1

: to leap over especially while running (as in a sporting competition)

2

: overcome, surmount

— hur·dler \ˈhərd-lər, ˈhər-d^əl-ər\ noun

Examples of HURDLE

1. The horse hurdled the fence.

First Known Use of HURDLE

1896

Rhymes with HURDLE

girdle