barrier
noun [ C ]
uk/ˈbæriər/something that prevents something else from happening or makes it more difficult:
barrier (to sth) In an ideal world, there would be no barriers to the free movement of people between countries.
See also
non-tariff barrier
trade barrier
something that keeps people or things apart:
The language barrier is less frightening in print than over the telephone.
barrier between sb/sth (and sb/sth) Lack of regular communication is named time and time again as the major barrier between management and employees.
a number or measurement that is considered to be important or hard to reach:
The average wage in Britain has broken the £20,000 barrier.
The Dow Jones broke the 10,000 barrier early in the day, but closed down 41.85 points at 9923.42.