barred

American  

[bahrd] / bɑrd /

adjective

1. provided with one or more bars.

   a barred prison window.

2. striped; streaked.

   barred fabrics.

3. Ornithology. (of feathers) marked with transverse bands of distinctive color.

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Etymology

Origin of barred

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at bar ¹, -ed ³

Explanation

Something that is barred prevents your entry. If you are trying to sneak into your friend's house, avoid the barred windows. To be barred is to be blocked from entrance or not allowed to do something — as if there were imaginary bars in your path. The adjective barred comes from the noun bar, and it's easy to remember if you picture the classic barred cell where inmates are confined. Barred can also describe something that is marked with bars, like a barred owl.

Example Sentences

While body armor is legal for most Americans to own, felons with a history of violence are barred from possessing it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

They also make it exceedingly difficult for pro se petitioners filing on their own behalf to strategize the best approach and avoid being procedurally barred.

From Slate • May 29, 2026

He essentially owes his position as president to Sonko, his one-time mentor who would almost certainly have taken the top job had he not been barred from the presidential election due to a defamation conviction.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Uganda has barred buses, taxis and motorcycle taxis from crossing the Congo border and banned flights to and from Congolese airports.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

“I am sorry, Donovan,” said the robot, “but you can no longer stay here after this. Henceforth Powell and you are barred from the control room and the engine room.”

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

Related Words

• blocked
• closed
• confined
• controlled
• defined
• deprived
• prescribed
• reduced
• restrained
• secured
• shortened
• tethered