26984 words

hurdle

8 definitions • 10 examples
1
a frame or fence for jumping over in a race:

Examples:

He fell at the last hurdle.
clear a hurdle She cleared (= jumped over) all the hurdles easily and raced to the finishing line.
2
a race in which people or horses jump over hurdles:

Examples:

the 400-metre hurdles
3
a problem that you have to deal with before you can make progress:

Examples:

overcome a hurdle Getting a work permit was the first hurdle to overcome.
The cost of this exercise is proving to be a major hurdle.
4
to run in a race in which there are hurdles to be jumped over, or to jump over something while running:

Examples:

He hurdled the gate and scrambled up the hill.
5
a frame for jumping over in a race
6
A hurdle is also a difficulty to be dealt with:

Examples:

There are a lot of hurdles to overcome before the contract can be signed.
7
to jump over a frame or fence:

Examples:

[ T ] The boys hurdled the fence.
8
a problem that you must solve or deal with before you can make progress:

Examples:

face/overcome a hurdle The first hurdle she faced entering the job market was one of confidence.
a hurdle to sth Lack of preparation and lack of financing have been the biggest hurdles to the project's success.

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