turnpike
UK: ˈtɜːnpaɪk | US: ˈtɜːrnpaɪk
n. a toll road or highway, especially one with a barrier or gate for collecting fees
n. (historical) a spiked barrier or defensive frame used to block cavalry
turnpike = turn<rotate> + pike<sharp pole>
- turn: From Old English tyrnan (to rotate), later influenced by Old French torner. In "turnpike," it refers to the rotating barrier or gate used to control access.
- pike: From Middle English pike (a sharp-pointed pole or weapon), derived from Old English pīc. Here, it denotes the spiked poles or barriers historically used for defense or toll collection.
Etymology Origin:
The word "turnpike" originated in the 15th century, combining "turn" (referring to a revolving barrier) and "pike" (a sharp pole). Initially, it described spiked barriers used to block cavalry. By the 17th century, it evolved to denote toll roads with rotating gates, where travelers paid fees to pass. The term reflects the physical mechanism (a turning spike-barrier) that defined early toll collection systems.
The old turnpike was replaced by a modern highway in the 1950s.
Drivers had to stop at the turnpike to pay the toll.
Historical reenactors demonstrated how a medieval turnpike blocked enemy troops.
The turnpike system funded many early American roads.
Abandoned turnpike gates can still be seen in some rural areas.