embargo
im-BAR-goh
/ɪmˈbɑːrɡoʊ/
An official restriction preventing the publication or broadcast of news or information until a specified date and time.
In journalism, an embargo is an agreement between a source and press outlets granting advance access on the condition that nothing is published early.
The story behind the word. Originally used in maritime law to describe stopping ships from leaving ports, 'embargo' entered Spanish and English maritime speech. By the 20th century, journalists adopted the term for holding back stories until an agreed-upon deadline.
Word relationships
- restriction: 'Restriction' is generic, while 'embargo' specifically implies a time-limited prohibition on publication or trade.
- moratorium: 'Moratorium' refers to a temporary suspension of an activity, whereas 'embargo' refers to blocking communication or commerce.
- release: A release allows immediate distribution of information.
Commonly confused with
- censorship: 'Censorship' is usually involuntary and permanent suppression, whereas an 'embargo' is a agreed-upon delay in timing.
Word family
- embargoed (adjective): Restricted from publication or distribution until a set time.
Collocations
- press embargo
- lift an embargo
- place an embargo
- breach an embargo
Example sentences
- "The medical journal issued the breakthrough study to reporters under a strict embargo until Thursday morning." Press release standard
- "Breaking a press embargo can cause a news agency to lose institutional access and accreditation permanently." Media ethics
Memory hook
Put a BAR on GOing live with the story until the set time; em-BAR-GO. Bar the story from going until the time is right.
When not to use
Do not confuse a press embargo with trade embargoes without context, though the underlying concept of restraint is identical.
Fun facts
- Scientific journals like Nature and Science use embargoes to give journalists time to digest technical research while preventing premature hype.
Related words
Also appears in
- Business → Globalization & Trade
- Law → International Law & Treaties
- Political Science & Governance → State Sovereignty & Statecraft
- Economic Theory & Analysis → International Trade & Tariffs
- Military Science & Warfare → Naval Warfare & Maritime Security
- Political Science & Governance → Diplomacy & Foreign Policy
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