Etymology Map
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Barrier

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means a fence or obstacle

Where does the word "barrier" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin barra, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
barra
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"bar"
a Vulgar Latin word of uncertain, possibly Gaulish, origin
2
Stage 2 of 3
barriere
Old French · medieval
"barricade"
a fence of bars
3
Stage 3 of 3
barrier
English · 1300s
"barricade"
'sound barrier' dates from the 1930s
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Read the full story

Barrier’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: barra meant “bar.” A Vulgar Latin word of uncertain, possibly Gaulish, origin. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as barriere. A fence of bars. It reached English by 1300s as barrier. 'sound barrier' dates from the 1930s. Today, barrier means a fence or obstacle.