hurdle UK /ˈhɜːdl̩/US /ˈhɝd(ə)l/noun 5verb 5forms 3phrases 1 noun5 •An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which athletes or horses jump in a race.He ran in the 100 metres hurdles. •(figurative) An obstacle, real or perceived, physical or abstract. •A movable frame of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes and stakes, or sometimes of iron, used for enclosing land, for folding sheep and cattle, for gates, etc.; also, in fortification, used as revetments, and for other purposes.The practice of folding sheep was general, and the purchase of hurdles was a regular charge in the shepherd's account. — 1882 •A piece that is jumped over by a hopper piece. •(UK, historical) A sled or crate on which criminals were drawn to the place of execution.Such a crew! Ah! many a wretch has rid on hurdles who has done less mischief than these utterers of forged Tales, coiners of Scandal, and clippers of Reputation. — 1777 verb5 •To jump over something while running.He hurdled the bench in his rush to get away. •To overcome an obstacle. •To jump over another piece without capturing it. •To compete in the track and field events of hurdles (e.g. high hurdles). •To hedge, cover, make, or enclose with hurdles.Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve In hurdled cotes amid the field secure — 1667 formshurdled · hurdling · hurdles Phrases with hurdle fall at the last hurdleTo fail near the end of an activity, a project, etc.
