Meaning & Definition of word "Guardrail"
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Guardrail
/ˈɡɑrdˌreɪl/
noun:
- 1. A barrier intended to protect drivers from dangerous areas or provide safety at the edges of a road or bridge.
- Example: The guardrail along the highway prevented cars from veering off the road into the steep ravine.
- 2. A safety feature installed along the sides of a road or in construction sites to prevent accidents.
- Example: The construction site had guardrails installed to ensure the safety of workers and pedestrians.
- 3. A similar barrier used in other contexts to define safe or prohibited areas, such as around a deck or platform.
- Example: They installed a guardrail around the deck to keep children from falling off the edge.
Etymology
The term comes from the combination of 'guard' meaning to protect and 'rail' referring to a bar or fence.
Common Phrases and Expressions
guardrail safety:
The measures taken to ensure the effectiveness of guardrails in preventing accidents.
hit the guardrail:
To collide with the guardrail, usually implying an accident or close call.
Related Words
safety barrier:
A structure designed to protect people or vehicles from danger.
highway:
A main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.
Slang Meanings of guardrail
Meaning: A metaphor for a limit or boundary in life.
Example Sentence: When it comes to work-life balance, I've set up my guardrails.
Meaning: A safety measure or precaution.
Example Sentence: I always use guardrails to make sure I don't overspend on my budget.