hurdle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a light movable barrier that competitors must leap over in certain races
  2. noun an obstacle that you are expected to overcome
    • the last hurdle before graduation
  3. noun the act of jumping over an obstacle
    vault.
  4. verb jump a hurdle

WordNet

Hur"dle noun
Etymology
OE. hurdel, hirdel, AS. hyrdel; akin to D. horde, OHG. hurt, G. hürde a hurdle, fold, pen, Icel. hur door, Goth. haúrds, L. cratis wickerwork, hurdle, Gr. , Skr. kt to spin, ct to bind, connect. Cf. Crate, Grate, n.
Definitions
  1. A movable frame of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes and stakes, or sometimes of iron, used for inclosing land, for folding sheep and cattle, for gates, etc.; also, in fortification, used as revetments, and for other purposes.
  2. In England, a sled or crate on which criminals were formerly drawn to the place of execution. Bacon.
  3. An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which men or horses leap in a race.
Hur"dle transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Hurdleed ; present participle & verbal noun Hurdleing
Definitions
  1. To hedge, cover, make, or inclose with hurdles. Milton.

Webster 1913