Barbed wire entanglement is a term used to describe a type of fencing that is made up of twisted and sharp wires, designed to deter animals and humans alike from crossing through a certain area. The word is spelled as /bɑːbd waɪər ɛntæŋɡlmənt/, with the silent letter "e" at the end of "entanglement" indicating a soft vowel sound for the letter "a" before the letter "n". The word commonly appears in military and security contexts, used to describe barriers used to prevent hostile parties from entering a certain area.
Barbed wire entanglement refers to a defensive military obstacle created by attaching sharp-edged or pointed wire strands to fencing material. It is a type of fencing system designed to hinder or deter access by humans or animals. The primary purpose of barbed wire entanglement is to create a physical barrier that is difficult to penetrate, preventing unauthorized entry or limiting the movement of individuals.
This defensive obstacle consists of tightly stretched barbed wire strands, often with sharp barbs placed at regular intervals. The interweaving and entangling of these multiple strands create a formidable barrier. Barbed wire entanglements are typically constructed in a way that makes it challenging for an intruder to traverse them without sustaining significant injury or being slowed down considerably.
Barbed wire entanglements find extensive use in military installations, prisons, border security, and other high-security areas. They serve to deter trespassers, protect valuable or sensitive areas, and provide an initial line of defense against potential threats. The presence of barbed wire entanglement acts as a psychological deterrent as well, as the sight of these sharp and menacing obstacles can instill fear and discourage attempts to breach security perimeters.
The design and effectiveness of barbed wire entanglements can vary depending on specific requirements and objectives. Some configurations may include additional features like reinforced posts, concertina wire coils, or anti-climbing devices to enhance security measures.