Blockade: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• The city has been under blockade for weeks, with no supplies getting in or out.
• The navy initiated a blockade to prevent enemy ships from reaching the port.

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.

• A large concrete barrier was erected to separate the two areas.
• Language can be a significant barrier to effective communication.

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.

• Construction vehicles caused an obstruction on the main road.
• He faced charges for obstruction of justice after interfering with the investigation.

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.

• The government imposed an arms embargo on the warring nation.
• Several countries placed an embargo on exports to the regime.

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.

• The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the city.
• During the war, the enemy imposed a blockade, causing shortages of food and medicine.

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.

• The area was sealed off after the chemical spill.
• To prevent contamination, they sealed off the lab.

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.

• Remember to shut off the lights when you leave the room.
• The city plans to shut off water supply for maintenance work.

Used to describe the act of surrounding something completely with a barrier, often to protect or contain it. It has a neutral connotation.

• The garden was enclosed by a high fence.
• Please enclose the documents in the envelope.