Meaning & Definition of word "Guardrail"

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.