iron curtain

noun

1
: a political, military, and ideological barrier that cuts off and isolates an area
specifically, often Iron curtain : one formerly isolating an area under Soviet control
2
: an impenetrable barrier
… an iron curtain between the ego and the unconscious …C. J. Rolo

Examples of iron curtain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Until then, drills buzz into concrete, construction lifts beep loudly, workers iron curtains and more art comes out of storage waiting for a moment in the sun. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 The medical ass and the erotic ass never met by day or by night; the two cultures were separated by an iron curtain or fire wall. Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 Many Russians who managed to escape Putin’s iron curtain are now facing the same terrifying fate, only this time the destination isn’t an accident. Air Mail, 25 Oct. 2025 That may then allow the government to ban all private internet communications, creating a digital iron curtain. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for iron curtain

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of iron curtain was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Iron curtain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iron%20curtain. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

iron curtain

noun
: a political and military barrier that isolates an area from outside contact

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