IPA: /ˈhɜːrdl/
KK: /ˈhɜrdl/
To jump over an obstacle or barrier, often used in the context of running or racing.
She had to hurdle over the fence to reach the other side.
Past: hurdled
Past Participle: hurdled
A barrier that runners jump over in races, or a challenge that needs to be overcome.
She cleared the last hurdle and won the race.
To jump over something, like a barrier, especially in a race, or to successfully deal with a challenge or problem.
She had to hurdle the obstacles in her path to reach her goal.
Past: hurdled
Past Participle: hurdled
Hurdle → The word originates from Middle English 'hurdle' (meaning a frame or fence), which is derived from Old English 'hyrdel' (meaning a fence or enclosure). The term refers to a barrier or obstacle that one must jump over, as in a race.
Imagine a fence or barrier ('hurdle') that you need to jump over in a race. This helps you remember that a hurdle is an obstacle to overcome.