WordDream · Your AI dictionary

barricade

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "barricade": A barricade is a makeshift or hastily constructed barrier, often created during times of civil unres

What does "barricade" mean?

A barricade is a makeshift or hastily constructed barrier, often created during times of civil unrest, protest, or military defense to block a path, street, or entrance. The mental image is one of chaos and urgency—piled-up furniture, overturned vehicles, or debris used to physically prevent people or vehicles from passing through. While the word is frequently associated with historical revolutions or street riots, it can also be used metaphorically to describe any significant obstacle that prevents progress or communication. In a professional or architectural context, it refers to temporary safety barriers used to cordon off construction zones or hazardous areas.

"barricade" in conversation

During a protest

They've set up a barricade at the end of the street.

They've set up a barricade at the end of the street.

We should turn back before the police move in.

We should turn back before the police move in.

Used here to describe a physical obstruction created by protesters.

Construction site safety

Please stay behind the yellow barricade.

Please stay behind the yellow barricade.

Sorry, I didn't realize this area was restricted.

Sorry, I didn't realize this area was restricted.

Used here to describe a formal safety barrier.

"barricade" in a sentence

  1. The protesters built a barricade out of old tires and wooden crates.

    The protesters built a barricade out of old tires and wooden crates.

  2. Police were forced to dismantle the barricade to restore traffic flow.

    Police were forced to dismantle the barricade to restore traffic flow.

  3. She felt as though a psychological barricade had been erected between her and her colleagues.

    She felt as though a psychological barricade had been erected between her and her colleagues.

Not another dictionary

An AI-native multilingual dictionary: decode the words other dictionaries can't handle.

WordDream explains every word the way a teacher would, with real-life scenes, graded examples, audio and a picture. It also covers what traditional dictionaries miss: names, places, proper nouns, internet slang, and words that don't translate.

And it isn't just English. Look up words in any language, keep a multilingual Notebook, and turn your saved words into stories with Spin a yarn.

Try WordDream: Look up a wordOpen “barricade” in WordDream

Free account · sign in to use features

More everyday & curious words

Browse the whole set in Everyday & Curious Words.

Explained by WordDream, an AI-native multilingual dictionary.