Meaning & use
barrier method
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablemedical
A way of preventing pregnancy or infection by stopping sperm or germs from passing between bodies, using a physical block such as a condom.
Grammar: Countable: say "a barrier method" or "barrier methods" for the group as a whole.
Patterns
- use a barrier method
- a barrier method of contraception
- barrier methods such as condoms
The clinic explained that a barrier method works only if it is used correctly every time.
Condoms and diaphragms are the most common barrier methods.
She asked which barrier method would suit her best.
nounsingulartechnical
The general approach of blocking something with a physical layer rather than with chemicals or hormones.
Grammar: Often used in the fixed phrase "the barrier method" when the physical approach itself is being contrasted with other approaches.
Patterns
- the barrier method
- rely on the barrier method
In this experiment the barrier method kept the two liquids apart.
Engineers preferred the barrier method over adding a chemical treatment.
Word forms
| plural | barrier methods |
|---|
Common combinations
- use a barrier method
- Health workers encourage people to use a barrier method as well as testing regularly.
- barrier method of contraception
- The leaflet lists every barrier method of contraception available free of charge.
- rely on a barrier method
- If you rely on a barrier method alone, check it for damage first.
- effective barrier method
- A correctly used condom is a highly effective barrier method.
- choose a barrier method
- Patients can choose a barrier method or a hormonal option.
Synonyms and how they differ
- contraceptive
- A wider word for anything that prevents pregnancy, including pills and implants, so it is not limited to physical blocks.
- prophylactic
- A formal or old-fashioned word, mainly for a condom; it sounds dated in everyday speech.
Word family
- barrier noun
- Something that blocks movement or contact, such as a fence or a wall.
- barrier cream noun
- A cream that forms a protective layer on skin.
Commonly confused: barrier method or birth control pill?
barrier method vs birth control pill
A pill is not a barrier method: it changes hormones instead of blocking anything physically.
Practice
Which sentence uses "barrier method" correctly?
Choose one answer.
A barrier method blocks sperm or germs, so it fits preventing infection. Option 2 is wrong because a barrier method does not treat blood pressure; option 3 confuses it with a pill, which is swallowed; option 4 confuses it with the ordinary noun "barrier", a fence-like object.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “barrier method”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.