1590s, from Middle French barricader "to barricade" (1550s), from barrique "barrel," from Spanish barrica "barrel," from baril (see barrel). Revolutionary associations began during 1588 Huguenot riots in Paris, when large barrels filled with earth and stones were set up in the streets. Related: Barricaded; barricading.

1640s, from barricade, v.. Earlier was barricado (1580s) with false Spanish ending (see -ado).