hurdle

English

/ˈhɜːdəl/, /ˈhɝdəl/

noun
Definitions
  • An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which athletes or horses jump in a race.
  • A perceived obstacle.
  • A movable frame of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes and stakes, or sometimes of iron, used for enclosing land, for folding sheep and cattle, for gates, etc.; also, in fortification, used as revetments, and for other purposes.
  • (UK) A sled or crate on which criminals were formerly drawn to the place of execution.
  • (T-flapping)

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English hurdel inherited from Old English hyrdel (frame of intertwined twigs used as a temporary barrier) derived from Proto-Germanic *hurdiz (frame, wickerwork) derived from Proto-Indo-European *kreh₂-.

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*kreh₂-

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms