Barracks vs. Barrack — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Barracks are buildings housing military personnel, while 'barrack' refers to the act of jeering or booing, especially in British English.
Difference Between Barracks and Barrack
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Barracks are specialized structures designed to accommodate soldiers, providing sleeping quarters and other facilities for large groups. On the other hand, 'barrack' as a verb means to jeer or heckle, a term commonly used in contexts like sports events or political gatherings where crowds express disapproval loudly.
In terms of usage, 'barracks' is primarily a military term, with its singular form 'barrack' seldom used except in historical or specific regional contexts. Conversely, the verb 'barrack' does not relate to housing but to vocal expressions of criticism or support, often boisterous and coordinated.
The plural form 'barracks' indicates the presence of multiple buildings or a large complex, reflecting the communal living arrangements of military personnel. Whereas, 'barrack' in verb form involves no implication of plurality and focuses solely on the action of the crowd.
Culturally, barracks are integral to military bases worldwide, symbolizing discipline and order. In contrast, to 'barrack' someone can carry a negative connotation, associated with disruption and dissent, particularly in British and Australian English.
The term 'barracks' has a concrete, physical connotation, rooted in the tangible aspects of military life. However, 'barrack' as a verb is dynamic, capturing the active participation of individuals in vocal interaction, often in public or communal settings.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Buildings for housing soldiers
To jeer or boo at someone
Part of Speech
Noun (plural)
Verb
Usage Context
Military, accommodation
Events, public gatherings
Connotation
Structural, organizational
Disruptive, participatory
Cultural Relevance
Global military infrastructure
Primarily British and Australian use
Compare with Definitions
Barracks
Housing soldiers.
The barracks can accommodate up to 500 soldiers.
Barrack
To shout down.
Protesters tried to barrack the speaker during the rally.
Barracks
Large building complexes.
The barracks were renovated to improve living conditions.
Barrack
To heckle.
Fans began to barrack the referee for his unfair decision.
Barracks
Permanent army posts.
He was stationed at one of the oldest barracks in the country.
Barrack
To boo.
The crowd started to barrack loudly as the opposition team took the lead.
Barracks
Military accommodation.
The troops returned to their barracks after the drill.
Barrack
To jeer.
The audience barracked the comedian off the stage.
Barracks
Group living facilities.
New recruits were introduced to the barracks where they would reside.
Barrack
To criticize vocally.
He was barracked by his peers for his controversial views.
Barracks
Barracks are usually a group of long buildings built to house military personnel or laborers. The English word comes via French from an old Spanish word "barraca" (hut), originally referring to temporary shelters or huts for various people and animals, but today barracks are usually permanent buildings for military accommodation.
Barrack
To house (soldiers, for example) in quarters.
Barracks
To house (soldiers, for example) in quarters.
Barrack
Chiefly British To jeer or shout at a player, speaker, or team.
Barracks
Chiefly British To jeer or shout at a player, speaker, or team.
Barrack
(Australian) To shout support for a team.
Barracks
(Australian) To shout support for a team.
Barrack
To shout against; jeer at.
Barracks
To shout against; jeer at.
Barrack
A building or group of buildings used to house military personnel.
Barracks
A building or group of buildings used to house military personnel.
Barrack
A large, unadorned building used for temporary occupancy.
Barracks
A large, unadorned building used for temporary occupancy.
Barrack
A building for soldiers, especially within a garrison; originally referred to temporary huts, now usually to a permanent structure or set of buildings.
Barracks
Plural of barrack.
Barrack
A primitive structure resembling a long shed or barn for (usually temporary) housing or other purposes.
Barracks
(military) A group of buildings used by military personnel as housing.
There is a large barracks in this town and two other barracks are nearby.
Barrack
Any very plain, monotonous, or ugly large building.
Barrack
(US) A (structure with a) movable roof sliding on four posts, to cover hay, straw, etc.
Barrack
A police station.
Barrack
(transitive) To house military personnel; to quarter.
Barrack
(intransitive) To live in barracks.
Barrack
To jeer and heckle; to attempt to disconcert by verbal means.
Barrack
To cheer for or support a team.
Barrack
A building for soldiers, especially when in garrison. Commonly in the pl., originally meaning temporary huts, but now usually applied to a permanent structure or set of buildings.
He lodged in a miserable hut or barrack, composed of dry branches and thatched with straw.
Barrack
A movable roof sliding on four posts, to cover hay, straw, etc.
Barrack
To supply with barracks; to establish in barracks; as, to barrack troops.
Barrack
To live or lodge in barracks.
Barrack
A building used to house military personnel
Barrack
Lodge in barracks
Barrack
Urge on or encourage especially by shouts;
The crowd cheered the demonstrating strikers
Barrack
Laugh at with contempt and derision;
The crowd jeered at the speaker
Common Curiosities
What is the primary purpose of barracks?
Barracks are used to provide living quarters for military personnel.
Can 'barracks' refer to a single building?
Yes, though rarely in singular form, 'barrack' can refer to one building, but 'barracks' is the common plural form used.
Where is the verb 'barrack' most commonly used?
It is most commonly used in the UK and Australia.
Are there any synonyms for the verb 'barrack'?
Yes, synonyms include heckle, jeer, or boo.
What is the difference in connotation between 'barracks' and 'barrack'?
'Barracks' has a neutral, organizational connotation, while 'barrack' often has a negative, disruptive connotation.
Can 'barrack' have a positive connotation?
Occasionally, it can be positive, reflecting spirited crowd participation in support of a cause or team.
Are there any synonyms for 'barracks'?
Synonyms include quarters, billet, or garrison.
Is 'barrack' used outside of military contexts?
Yes, as a verb, it is used in various public or social contexts to describe the act of jeering.
How is 'barrack' typically used in a sentence?
'Barrack' is used as a verb meaning to jeer or boo, often in public settings.
How do barracks impact military life?
Barracks provide essential communal living facilities that help maintain discipline and order.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
