barrier
/ˈbærɪə(r); `bærɪɚ/ n
1
(a) thing that prevents or controls progress or movement 阻碍进步或控制活动的事物
The Sahara Desert is a natural barrier between North and Central Africa. 撒哈拉沙漠是北非与中非之间的天然屏障.
Show your ticket at the barrier. 请在检票处出示票以备查验.
(b) (fig 比喻) hindrance 障碍; 妨碍
Poor health may be a barrier to success. 健康欠佳可能成为取得成功的障碍.
2 thing that keeps people apart 使人隔离的事物
barriers of race and religion 种族和宗教的鸿沟
the language barrier 语言的隔阂.