Blockade: meaning, definitions and examples
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blockade
[ˈblɒk.eɪd ]
Definitions
in war
An act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
Synonyms
barrier, embargo, obstruction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| blockade |
Used to describe a situation where access to a specific area, typically during a conflict or war, is completely cut off by military or naval forces. It emphasizes a strategic and often aggressive hindrance.
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| barrier |
Used to signify any physical or metaphorical obstacle that prevents movement or progress. It has a broad application in various contexts, including physical structures, social challenges, and psychological hindrances.
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| obstruction |
Generally used to describe something that blocks, prevents, or hinders progress. It often suggests a deliberate action to impede or delay, and can have a legal or procedural connotation.
|
| embargo |
Used in political or economic contexts to refer to an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country. It often carries a legal and formal connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The rebels set up a blockade to prevent the enemy from receiving supplies.
- The blockade caused a shortage of essential goods in the city.
in war
To seal off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
Synonyms
enclose, seal off, shut off.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| blockade |
Used primarily in a military or strategic context to describe the act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or exiting. It often carries a serious or negative connotation.
|
| seal off |
Used to describe the act of closing an area so that nothing can enter or leave, often for safety or security reasons. This can be used in both neutral and urgent contexts.
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| shut off |
Used to describe turning off a device or system, or blocking access to a place or resource. It is commonly used in everyday situations and is generally neutral.
|
| enclose |
Used to describe the act of surrounding something completely with a barrier, often to protect or contain it. It has a neutral connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The army decided to blockade the port to cut off enemy supply lines.
- The government blockaded the borders to stop illegal immigration.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the French word 'bloquer', meaning 'to block' or 'obstruct', used in military contexts since the 17th century.
- Naval blockades were first recorded in the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, showcasing their strategic importance.
- The British imposed a major blockade on France during the Napoleonic Wars, aiming to cut off trade and weaken the enemy.
Military Strategy
- In warfare, blockades are a form of economic warfare, designed to restrict the movement of goods and military supplies.
- The concept of a blockade can also include land routes, not just sea routes, by using fortified positions to prevent passage.
- Historical examples show that successful blockades can lead to significant changes in the outcome of conflicts, often forcing surrender.
International Relations
- Blockades can be controversial, sometimes viewed as acts of war under international law, depending on context and execution.
- The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 featured a naval blockade, referred to as a 'quarantine', as a means to prevent Soviet arms from reaching Cuba.
- Blockades can create humanitarian crises, as they may restrict access to essential goods like food and medicine for civilians.
Literature and Media
- Blockades have often been depicted in literature, symbolizing conflict and struggle in novels set during wartime.
- Films about war often showcase blockades to emphasize the efforts of characters trying to overcome immense odds.
- Various video games incorporate blockade mechanics, creating strategic challenges for players as they manage resources.
Communication and Culture
- A blockade can symbolize emotional or spiritual barriers in personal relationships, serving as a metaphor for isolation.
- In politics, a 'blockade' might refer to preventing a bill or proposal from advancing, similar to how physical blockades hinder movement.
- Cultural references often depict blockades as moments of tension, portraying struggles against oppression or seeking freedom.
Translations
Translations of the word "blockade" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bloqueio
🇮🇳 नाका بندی
🇩🇪 Blockade
🇮🇩 blokade
🇺🇦 блокада
🇵🇱 blokada
🇯🇵 封鎖 (ふうさ)
🇫🇷 blocus
🇪🇸 bloqueo
🇹🇷 abluka
🇰🇷 봉쇄 (봉쇄)
🇸🇦 حصار
🇨🇿 blokáda
🇸🇰 blokáda
🇨🇳 封锁 (fēngsuǒ)
🇸🇮 blokada
🇮🇸 umsátr
🇰🇿 блокада
🇬🇪 ბლოკადა
🇦🇿 blokada
🇲🇽 bloqueo