an obstruction (usually metal) placed at the top of a goal

a structure or object that impedes free movement

something that prevents access or progress

an obstruction in a pipe or tube

any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome

an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented)

a movable obstruction in a lock that must be adjusted to a given position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown

a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling

a barrier (usually thrown up hastily) to impede the advance of an enemy

a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away

a metal block in breech-loading firearms that is withdrawn to insert a cartridge and replaced to close the breech before firing

a fencelike structure around a ship’s deck (usually plural)

any object that acts as a hindrance or obstruction

a strong protective barrier that is erected around a racetrack or in the middle of a dual-lane highway in order to reduce the likelihood of severe accidents

a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea

a barrier that serves to enclose an area

a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud

a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air

an obstacle on a golf course

a light movable barrier that competitors must leap over in certain races

a flat metal tumbler in a lever lock

a barrier that can be moved to allow passage

cylindrical tumblers consisting of two parts that are held in place by springs; when they are aligned with a key the bolt can be thrown

blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

a barrier against explosives

a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.

a hindrance to speeding created by a crosswise ridge in the surface of a roadway

a movable barrier on the starting line of a race course

any obstacle or impediment

a stoppage in a pipeline caused by gas bubbles (especially a stoppage that develops in hot weather in an internal-combustion engine when fuel in the gas line boils and forms bubbles that block the flow of gasoline to the carburetor)

a pool or stream in a steeplechase or similar contest