barred

Everyday

1. Not allowed to go in or to do something: banned. tree →
2. Having bars across it, like a barred window or gate. tree →
3. Having stripes of colour, like a barred owl's feathers. tree →
4. (past form of bar) Blocked a way, or stopped someone. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it means banned from a place or activity ("barred from the club"). In stories it describes locked or blocked windows, gates and roads, often in castles or prisons. In nature it describes striped feathers or fur. Phrases: "barred from", "barred the way", "no holds barred" (with no rules).

Examples

• He was barred from the game for cheating. tree →
• The prison had barred windows. tree →
• A fallen tree barred the road. tree →
• Dogs are barred from the playground. tree →
• The barred owl has striped feathers on its chest. tree →
• The guards barred the castle gate at night. tree →
• The debate was no holds barred. tree →
• As he crossed the threshold fifteen armed Turks barred his way, with the Sultan at their head. tree →

Note

Past form of "bar" doubles the r: bar, barred, barring. Do not confuse "barred" with "bard" (a poet), which sounds the same. "Barred from" means not allowed.