What does hurdle mean?
A hurdle is an obstacle that must be crossed, dealt with, or overcome. The word is especially common in figurative expressions describing difficulties that stand in the way of progress, such as financial, legal, educational, or personal problems. In athletics, a hurdle is one of a series of barriers that competitors jump over during a race. The verb "hurdle" can mean either to jump over such a barrier or, more broadly, to overcome a problem. Although the word often suggests something difficult, it does not necessarily imply an impossible obstacle: people regularly speak of clearing, overcoming, or getting past hurdles. Its imagery is vivid because the original sense referred to a physical barrier, making it especially useful for describing successive obstacles encountered on the way to a goal.
An obstacle, difficulty, or barrier that impedes progress; also, a frame or barrier to be jumped over in an athletics event.
"The team overcame several technical hurdles during the launch."
To overcome or deal with a difficulty or obstacle; also, to jump over a hurdle in an athletics event.
"The athletes hurdled the barriers in quick succession."
The plural is commonly used for both athletic barriers and figurative obstacles.
"The project was delayed by regulatory hurdles."
The athletic hurdle began as a real fence-like barrier, so its name literally means an obstacle to cross.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hurdle come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English "hyrdel," meaning a fence, barrier, or enclosure. It belongs to a Germanic family of words associated with fences or barriers, reflected in cognates such as German "Hürde" and Dutch "horde." The athletic sense developed from the earlier idea of a physical obstacle or fence and now names the barriers used in track events.
Related word forms
How hurdle is actually used
In figurative use, "hurdle" commonly denotes a practical or administrative obstacle. In athletics, it refers both to the barrier itself and, in phrases such as "the 100-metre hurdles," to the race. The verb is also used figuratively in formal and informal contexts.
Easily confused with hurdle
A herald is an official messenger or a sign announcing something, whereas a hurdle is an obstacle or barrier.