barricade
UK: ˌbærɪˈkeɪd | US: ˈbærɪˌkeɪd
n. a physical barrier, often improvised, to block movement or access
vt. to block or defend with a barricade
barricade = barri<barrier> + cade<action/result>
- barri (from Old French barre, meaning "bar" or "barrier")
- cade (a suffix derived from Old French -ade, indicating an action or result, as in "blockade" or "parade")
Etymology Origin:
The word barricade entered English via French (barricade) in the late 16th century, originally referring to makeshift barriers built during street fights. Its roots trace back to the Old French barre (bar), reflecting the use of barrels (barriques) and other objects to block streets. The suffix -ade lends a sense of collective action, emphasizing the improvised nature of such barriers. Over time, it broadened to describe any defensive obstruction.
Protesters built a barricade across the road using overturned cars.
The soldiers barricaded the entrance to the fortress.
Police dismantled the barricade after the demonstration ended.
During the storm, we barricaded the windows with wooden planks.
The old castle’s gate was reinforced with a heavy barricade.