barricade

1 of 2

verb

bar·​ri·​cade ˈber-ə-ˌkād 

ˈba-rə-;

ˌber-ə-ˈkād,

ˌba-rə-

barricaded; barricading

transitive verb

1

: to block off or stop up with a barricade

barricade a street

2

: to prevent access to by means of a barricade

barricade

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: an obstruction or rampart thrown up across a way or passage to check the advance of the enemy

b

: barrier sense 1a

2

: barrier sense 3, obstacle

3

barricades plural : a field of combat or dispute

Synonyms

Verb

• bar
• block (off)
• blockade
• close (off)
• guard
• wall (off)

Noun

• barrier
• fence
• hedge
• wall

Examples of barricade in a Sentence

Verb

The police barricaded the crime scene.

the city barricaded the flooded streets to through traffic

Noun

The enemy broke through the barricade.

Police erected barricades to keep the crowds from approaching the crime scene.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

He’s accused of barricading himself in a clinic bathroom which forced the facility to shut down and reschedule appointments for the day, federal prosecutors said. —Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025

But almost immediately upon arrival, a ferocious creature attacks them, forcing the family to barricade themselves inside the cabin. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Noun

Hornets’ security, the Observer previously reported, typically places barricades outside the stadium’s loading dock area to keep pedestrians and fans at bay — particularly when a car is leaving. —Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025

Seeing the makeshift barricade, the OP decided to add their own contribution, placing their cart by the driver's side door. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from Middle French, noun derivative of barricade barricade entry 2

Noun

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, from barrique "barrel," a typical component of barricades (borrowed from Gascon barriqua, probably going back to pre-Latin *barrīca) + -ade -ade

First Known Use

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing barricade

• barricade oneself

Kids Definition

barricade

1 of 2 verb

bar·​ri·​cade ˈbar-ə-ˌkād 

ˌbar-ə-ˈkād

barricaded; barricading

: to block off with a barricade

barricade

2 of 2 noun

: a barrier usually made in a hurry for protection against attack or for blocking the way