unbarred

Unbarred is an English adjective meaning not barred or prevented by a barrier. It can describe something without bars, grilles, or other forms of obstruction, or a person who is not restricted by a rule or constraint. The term is formed from bar, meaning a solid obstacle, plus the past participle suffix -ed.

In physical contexts, unbarred refers to openings without protective bars or grilles, such as unbarred windows or unbarred doors. Such openings may be chosen for aesthetics, visibility, or ventilation, but can increase vulnerability to intrusion and may require alternative security measures. In architecture and design, distinct terms are used for openings with bars (barred) and without (unbarred).

In other contexts, unbarred is occasionally used metaphorically to indicate freedom from restriction, e.g., unbarred access to information, though in common usage the more precise terms unobstructed or unrestricted are often preferred.

See also: barred, barrier, grille, grate, gate, unobstructed, unrestricted.