A strong, short post or pillar, usually made of metal or concrete, used to block vehicle traffic or mark boundaries on streets and walkways.
Possibly from 'bole' (tree trunk) or from 'bowl,' the word emerged in English in the 1800s describing posts on ships and then later posts on land to control traffic and protect pedestrians.
Modern bollards are among the most visible examples of 'hostile architecture'—their design makes cities safer from vehicle attacks while some critics argue they create unfriendly public spaces, making them a fascinating example of how everyday objects carry social meaning.
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