Definition

1. Noun:

   • A continuous vertical solid structure: A wall is a structure that defines an area, carries a load, or provides shelter or security. It is typically made of brick or stone.
   • Anything resembling a wall in function: This can be a barrier, obstacle, or partition that blocks or separates.
   • A difficult or desperate situation: Used figuratively to describe a position of being trapped or having no options.
   • (Anatomy) A lining or membrane: The outer layer or lining of a bodily organ or cavity.

2. Verb:

   • To enclose or divide with a wall: To build a wall around something or to separate areas using a wall.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • The garden was surrounded by a high brick wall. (A physical barrier)
  • The negotiators hit a wall when discussing the key issue. (A figurative obstacle)
  • He felt his back was against the wall with all the deadlines. (A difficult situation)
  • The abdominal wall protects the internal organs. (An anatomical structure)

• Verb:

  • They decided to wall off the old section of the basement.
  • The ancient city was walled for protection against invaders.

Advanced Usage

• "To be up against a wall": To be in a very difficult situation with limited options.

  • With the funding canceled, the research team was up against a wall.

• "A wall of silence": A situation where people refuse to communicate or give information.

  • The investigation met a wall of silence from the witnesses.

• "To drive/push someone to the wall": To force someone into a desperate or difficult position.

  • The aggressive competition pushed the smaller company to the wall.

Variants and Related Words

• Wall-like (adj): Resembling a wall in appearance or function.
• Wall-less (adj): Lacking walls.
• Walling (n): The material or action of constructing walls.

Synonyms

• Noun: Barrier, partition, fence, rampart, bulwark, obstacle, impediment.
• Verb: Enclose, fortify, partition, fence.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Wall in: To enclose completely with walls.

  • The courtyard was walled in to create a private space.

• Wall off: To separate one area from another with a wall.

  • They walled off the kitchen from the dining area.

• Wall up: To seal an opening by building a wall across it.

  • The old doorway had been walled up decades ago.

Related Idioms

• Walls have ears: Be careful what you say because someone may be listening.

  • Don't discuss the plans here—remember, walls have ears.

• To go to the wall: To fail, especially in business; to be defeated.

  • Several local shops went to the wall during the recession.

• To bang/run your head against a brick wall: To try repeatedly to achieve something with no success.

  • I've been trying to get approval, but I'm just banging my head against a brick wall.

Noun

1. an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
   • they stormed the ramparts of the city
   • they blew the trumpet and the walls came tumbling down
2. a masonry fence (as around an estate or garden)
   • the wall followed the road
   • he ducked behind the garden wall and waited
3. a layer of material that encloses space
   • the walls of the cylinder were perforated
   • the container's walls were blue
4. a vertical (or almost vertical) smooth rock face (as of a cave or mountain)
5. a difficult or awkward situation
   • his back was to the wall
   • competition was pushing them to the wall
6. (anatomy) a layer (a lining or membrane) that encloses a structure
   • stomach walls
7. anything that suggests a wall in structure or function or effect
   • a wall of water
   • a wall of smoke
   • a wall of prejudice
   • negotiations ran into a brick wall
8. an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
   • the south wall had a small window
   • the walls were covered with pictures

Verb

1. surround with a wall in order to fortify