barricades

A barricade is a barrier erected to block, restrict, or control movement, usually to defend a position, protect people or property, or regulate access. Barricades are found in military sieges, urban protests, and crowd-control scenarios, as well as in emergency management and traffic safety.

Barricades can be temporary or permanent. Temporary barricades range from improvised structures built from furniture, carts, pallets, sandbags, road cones, and portable fencing to purpose-built steel or plastic crowd-control barriers. Permanent barricades use materials such as concrete, masonry, or reinforced metal to block streets or perimeters. In many contexts, barricades are designed to be quickly deployed or removed and to minimize risk to bystanders while achieving the intended blockage.

Historically, barricades are closely associated with urban revolutions, notably in Paris in 1830 and 1848, where civilians erected barriers from carts, tables, and other improvised defenses to defend neighborhoods. Since then, the concept has appeared in various conflicts and modern police operations, with advancements in barrier design and deployment.

Legal and safety considerations apply. Barricading public spaces can be unlawful or restricted in many jurisdictions, and improvised barriers can pose risks to participants and bystanders. Proper planning emphasizes minimizing harm, clear signage, and coordination with authorities during public events; the term can also refer more broadly to any obstruction placed to disrupt movement, including architectural features like gates or retaining walls.