blockade
blok-AYD
/blɒˈkeɪd/
An act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
Typically military in nature, aiming to cut off supplies or communication to an enemy port or country. Can also be a verb, 'to blockade.'
The story behind the word. The word 'blockade' comes to us from the Dutch 'blokkade,' which literally means 'blocking.' It entered English in the 17th century, a time when naval powers were increasingly using the tactic of sealing off enemy ports. The image of physically 'blocking' access to a harbor or city is central to its meaning.
Word relationships
- siege: Typically refers to surrounding a fortified place on land.
- cordon: A line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access to an area.
- embargo: A legal prohibition on commerce, not necessarily a physical barrier.
- open access: The state of being freely accessible.
- free passage: Unrestricted movement.
Commonly confused with
- embargo: A 'blockade' is a physical prevention of entry/exit, often military. An 'embargo' is a legal prohibition on trade, which may or may not involve physical enforcement.
Collocations
- naval blockade
- impose a blockade
- lift a blockade
- economic blockade
Example sentences
- "The naval blockade of the enemy's ports aimed to cripple their economy and force a surrender." Describing a military tactic.
- "During the crisis, several nations threatened to blockade the rogue state's access to international shipping lanes." Using as a verb.
Memory hook
A BLOCKADE puts a BLOCK on all trade and movement. Block access
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'embargo,' which is a legal restriction on trade, not necessarily a physical barrier.
Fun facts
- The Berlin Blockade (1948-1949) was a famous land blockade by the Soviet Union, countered by the Western Allies' airlift.
Related words
Also appears in
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