razor wire

American  

noun

1. concertina wire.

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razor wire British  

noun

1. strong wire with pieces of sharp metal set across it at close intervals, used to make fences or barriers

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Compare meaning

How does razor-wire compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• razor wire vs. barbed wire

Example Sentences

Samary arrived just ahead of Gomina, his loyalist commander, at QRF headquarters, a base fortified by guard towers and razor wire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Once a symbol of cooperation, the 'Friendship Bridge' connecting the two snow-covered banks has been reinforced with rows of razor wire and anti-tank obstacles.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

“Sheep and other ungulates, like deer, can get caught in razor wire, especially lambs,” Colby said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

The rooftop overlooks a flimsy fence crowned with razor wire around the compound, and about one mile of farmland between Nir Oz and southern Gaza.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

But there is no open here, only razor wire and electric fences, where all our truths are trapped.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed