What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barricade
Example
The police erected a barricade to prevent the protesters from entering the building. [barricade: noun]
Example
They barricaded the door with furniture to keep intruders out. [barricaded: past tense verb]
barrier
Example
The language barrier made it difficult for them to communicate. [barrier: noun]
Example
She faced many barriers in her career but managed to overcome them. [barriers: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barrier is more commonly used than barricade in everyday language. Barrier is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while barricade is less common and often associated with specific situations like protests or emergencies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barricade and barrier?
Both barricade and barrier can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, barricade may have a slightly more informal or intense connotation due to its association with protests or emergencies.