hurdle
Meaning
a frame or fence for jumping over in a race
a problem or difficulty that must be dealt with before you can achieve something
to run in a race that involves jumping over hurdles
to overcome a difficulty or problem
Usage
the runner cleared the final hurdle and sprinted towards the finish line.
the biggest hurdle for the new business was securing funding.
she had to hurdle several legal obstacles to get the project approved.
Etymology
the word 'hurdle' originates from the old english 'hyrdel', meaning a frame of intertwined twigs, used as a temporary portable fence or a sled. this term is related to the latin 'crates', meaning wickerwork or hurdle. the athletic sense of an obstacle to be jumped over emerged in the 19th century, deriving logically from the earlier use of hurdles as portable fencing that could be set up on a racecourse. this evolution from a physical frame to a metaphorical barrier demonstrates a clear semantic shift from a simple object to a symbol of challenge.
Analysis
the word 'hurdle' is a simplex word of old english origin. it does not break down into smaller, meaningful morphemes within its modern english spelling.