hurdle
UK: ˈhɜː.dl | US: ˈhɝː.dl
n. 1. A portable barrier used in races (e.g., track and field).
n. 2. An obstacle or difficulty to overcome.
vt. 3. To leap over a barrier or overcome a challenge.
The word "hurdle" traces back to Old English hyrdel, meaning a "frame" or "wickerwork panel," often used as a temporary fence or barrier. The root hurd- is related to Germanic words for woven structures (e.g., Old High German hurt). Over time, it evolved to denote athletic barriers (16th century) and metaphorical obstacles (19th century). The suffix -le may imply repetition (as in "jump repeatedly") or smallness (a "little frame").
She cleared the final hurdle to win the race.
Financial constraints are the biggest hurdle for startups.
The horse hurdled the fence effortlessly.
Overcoming language barriers was her first hurdle abroad.
They built a hurdle from branches to corral the sheep.