1 B2 neutral
To prevent access to a place by placing a bar, gate, or similar barrier across it.
"The construction crew barred off the entire section of the road while repairs were underway."
separable
bar off
B2 neutral separable transitive
To block access to an area or prevent entry using a bar or barrier.
In plain English
To put a bar or fence across something so people can't go in or through.
What does "bar off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To exclude a person or group from entering a place.
"Members of the public were barred off from the private ceremony."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place a bar across something to close it off — transparent.
Actually means
To put a bar or fence across something so people can't go in or through.
Usage tip
Less common than 'block off' in general usage. More likely to appear in historical or literary contexts, or when the physical barrier is specifically a bar or rod.
Words that pair with "bar off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
entrance area section road door path
How to conjugate "bar off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bar off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bars off
he/she/it
Past simple
bared off
yesterday
Past participle
bared off
have + pp
-ing form
baring off
continuous
Hear "bar off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bar off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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