iron curtain

noun

Definition of iron curtain

1 : an impenetrable barrier

the iron curtain between the ego and the unconscious
—C. J. Rolo

2 : a political, military, and ideological barrier that cuts off and isolates an area; specifically, often capitalized : one formerly isolating an area under Soviet control

See iron curtain defined for kids

Recent Examples of iron curtain from the Web

The first, Métamorphoses Nocturnes, was composed between 1953-’54 when Hungary was isolated deep behind the iron curtain.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "A season-long focus on the music of Hungarian composer György Ligeti opens with a performance by the peerless Arditti Quartet," 12 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'iron curtain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.