Guardrail

/ˈɡɑrdˌreɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A barrier intended to protect drivers from dangerous areas or provide safety at the edges of a road or bridge.

The guardrail along the highway prevented cars from veering off the road into the steep ravine.

A safety feature installed along the sides of a road or in construction sites to prevent accidents.

The construction site had guardrails installed to ensure the safety of workers and pedestrians.

A similar barrier used in other contexts to define safe or prohibited areas, such as around a deck or platform.

They installed a guardrail around the deck to keep children from falling off the edge.

The term comes from the combination of 'guard' meaning to protect and 'rail' referring to a bar or fence.

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.

safety barrier

A structure designed to protect people or vehicles from danger.

highway

A main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.

A metaphor for a limit or boundary in life.

When it comes to work-life balance, I've set up my guardrails.

A safety measure or precaution.

I always use guardrails to make sure I don't overspend on my budget.