Dictionary
1hurdle
noun hur·dle \ˈhər-dəl\
: one of a series of barriers to be jumped over in a race
the hurdles : a race in which runners must jump over hurdles
: something that makes an achievement difficult
Full 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
See hurdle defined for English-language learners
See hurdle defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
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
2hurdle
verb
: to jump over (something) while running
: to deal with (a problem or difficulty) successfully
hur·dledhur·dling \ˈhərd-liŋ, ˈhər-dəl-iŋ\
Full Definition of HURDLE
transitive verb
1
: to leap over especially while running (as in a sporting competition)
See hurdle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HURDLE
1896
Rhymes with HURDLE
HURDLES Defined for Kids
1hurdle
noun hur·dle \ˈhər-dəl\
Definition of HURDLE for Kids
1
: a barrier to be jumped in a race
2
hurdles plural : a race in which runners must jump over barriers
3
: obstacle <He overcame many hurdles to become successful.>
2hurdle
verb
hur·dledhur·dling
Definition of HURDLE for Kids
1
: to leap over while running
2
: overcome 1 <You have obstacles to hurdle before graduating.>
Learn More About HURDLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: hurdle gatePrevious Word in the Dictionary: hurdiesAll Words Near: hurdle
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up hurdle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).