Hurdles Meaning and Definition
Hurdles
Pronunciation
/ˈhərdəlz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A physical obstacle or challenge that must be overcome, often requiring skill, effort, or perseverance.
Examples
- Runners face hurdles in both the sprint and the long-distance events.
- Overcoming personal hurdles requires a great deal of courage and determination.
Synonyms
- Obstacle
- Barrier
- Challenge
Antonyms
- Ease
- Triviality
Etymology
The word “hurdle” comes from the Old French “hurler”, which means “to leap” or “to clear”, and is related to the Old Norse “hreundle” and the Middle English “hurdel”, both of which referred to a fence or a barrier.
Usage Notes
Hurdles can be used in a variety of contexts, including sports, personal development, and everyday life. In sports, hurdles refer to physical obstacles that must be cleared, while in personal development, hurdles can refer to challenges or obstacles that must be overcome.
Cultural References
Hurdles have appeared in various forms of media, including sports films like “Chariots of Fire” and “Moneyball”, as well as in literature, such as in the popular novel “The Hurdler” by Roger McBride.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To clear the hurdles
- To overcome the hurdles
- To jump over the hurdles
Related Words or Phrases
- Obstacle
- Barrier
- Challenge
Collocations
- To face the hurdles
- To overcome the hurdles
- To clear the hurdles
Frequency of Use
Hurdles is a commonly used word in modern language, particularly in the context of sports and personal development.
Common Misspellings
- Herdules
- Hurduler