hurdle

[ hur-dl ]

noun

1. a portable barrier over which contestants must leap in certain running races, usually a wooden frame with a hinged inner frame that swings down under impact to prevent injury to a runner who does not clear it.
2. hurdles, (used with a singular verb) a race in which contestants must leap over a number of such barriers placed at specific intervals around the track. Compare high hurdles, low hurdles.
3. any of various vertical barriers, as a hedge, low wall, or section of fence, over which horses must jump in certain types of turf races, as a steeplechase, but especially an artificial barrier.
4. a difficult problem to be overcome; obstacle.
5. Chiefly British. a movable rectangular frame of interlaced twigs, crossed bars, or the like, as for a temporary fence.
6. a frame or sled on which criminals, especially traitors, were formerly drawn to the place of execution.

verb (used with object)

, hur·dled, hur·dling.

1. to leap over (a hurdle, barrier, fence, etc.), as in a race.
2. to master (a difficulty, problem, etc.); overcome.
3. to construct with hurdles; enclose with hurdles.

verb (used without object)

, hur·dled, hur·dling.

1. to leap over a hurdle or other barrier.

hurdle

/ ˈhɜːdəl /

noun

1. 1. athletics one of a number of light barriers over which runners leap in certain events
   2. a low barrier used in certain horse races
2. an obstacle to be overcome
3. a light framework of interlaced osiers, wattle, etc, used as a temporary fence
4. a sledge on which criminals were dragged to their executions

verb

1. to jump (a hurdle, etc), as in racing
2. tr to surround with hurdles
3. tr to overcome

Derived Forms

• ˈhurdler, noun

Other Words From

• hurdler noun
• un·hurdled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurdle¹

before 900; Middle English hirdel, hurdel (noun), Old English hyrdel, equivalent to hyrd- + -el noun suffix; compare German Hürde hurdle; akin to Latin crātis hurdle, wickerwork, Greek kýrtos basket, cage, Sanskrit kṛt spin

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurdle¹

Old English hyrdel; related to Gothic haurds door, Old Norse hurth door, Old High German hurd, Latin crātis, Greek kurtos basket

Example Sentences

Even if Senate Republicans strike a deal with Senator Debbie Stabenow, any agreement would face hurdles in the House, where ultraconservatives’ long-standing opposition makes passage under suspension of the rules unlikely.

From Salon

Biden has since named several more nominees in hopes that they would pass the Senate hurdle before the chamber switches to GOP control on Jan. 3, 2025.

From Salon

Zeldovich spends less time on the hurdles these medicines still face.

From Salon

These hurdles are compounded when it comes to building more intricate 3D microfluidic networks.

From Science Daily

While desalination facilities are abundant in countries like Israel, Australia, and Saudi Arabia where water scarcity is acute, the energy required to desalinate water at scale presents a significant environmental hurdle.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• conquer
• surmount