What does barricade mean?
A barricade is a barrier erected across a road, doorway, or other route to stop people or vehicles from passing. The word is also a verb: to barricade something means to block it with a barrier or, figuratively, to prevent access or progress. Barricades are associated with demonstrations, military defenses, emergencies, and deliberate obstruction, although the term is not limited to political conflict. In figurative contexts, expressions such as “language barriers” and “institutional barricades” describe obstacles to communication or participation. The verb can imply firm or permanent obstruction, especially when the subject is a person or institution: “The protesters barricaded the entrance.” The word has a formal, sometimes confrontational tone but is fully standard in British and American English. Its history is closely associated with improvised street barriers raised during political upheaval. Understanding both its literal and figurative senses explains why the same word can describe a physical obstruction and a less tangible impediment.
A barrier erected across a road, entrance, or other route to prevent passage; figuratively, an obstacle to access, communication, or progress.
"A barricade blocked the only entrance to the building."
The noun commonly has a deliberately obstructive or confrontational association.
To block a road, entrance, or route with a barricade; by extension, to obstruct access to or progress through something.
"The demonstrators barricaded the road with overturned vehicles."
Usually transitive and often implies a deliberate act of obstruction.
The plural is regular and is used when referring to more than one physical barrier or to barriers collectively.
"The police removed several barricades from the square."
During the French Revolution, barricades in Paris became a powerful symbol of popular revolt—and helped give English its word for any barrier raised in the way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does barricade come from?
The word entered English in the 16th century from French barricade. The French word came from Spanish barricada, a feminine form of barricado meaning “barricaded,” based on barro, “mud” or “clay.” Early barricades could be constructed from barrels and other available material, and the word later came to denote any barrier erected across a route.
Related word forms
How barricade is actually used
The word is formal but standard in British and American English. Its literal use often suggests deliberate obstruction, while its figurative use is common in political, social, and institutional contexts.
Easily confused with barricade
A barricade blocks passage across a particular route or entrance, while a blockade usually encloses or isolates a larger area, port, or country to restrict access or trade.