avspärras

Avspärras is the present passive form of the Swedish verb avspärra, meaning to block off, seal off, or cordon off an area. In English, it is commonly translated as “is cordoned off” or “is blocked off.” The form is used to describe that a location has been restricted by authorities or safety measures.

The term is widely used in contexts involving traffic management, emergency response, crime scenes, construction zones, and other situations where access must be controlled to protect people or to preserve evidence. For example, a road may avspärras after an accident, or a building may avspärras while hazardous materials are contained.

Related nouns and related forms include avspärrning, the act of cordoning off; avspärrningszon, a cordoned-off zone; and avspärrad, meaning blocked or cordoned. The past passive forms are avspärrades (past) and avspärrats (participle). Barrier elements commonly used in avspärrningar include physical barriers such as fences or gates, as well as temporary measures like avspärrningstejp (barrier tape) and traffic cones.

Legal and safety considerations accompany avspärras in official use: authorities such as police, fire services, or road administrations may declare an area avspärrad and restrict access until it is deemed safe to re-enter. Violation of cordoned-off areas can carry penalties depending on local laws and circumstances. In reporting and public advisories, avspärras emphasizes that entry is not permitted and that conditions may be hazardous or under investigation.

See also: avspärrning, avspärrningszon, avspärrningstejp, spärr.