Embargo: meaning, definitions and examples

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embargo

[ɪmˈbɑː(r)ɡəʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

international trade

An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.

Synonyms

ban, blockade, prohibition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embargo	Typically refers to a government order that restricts commerce or exchange with a specific country or the exchange of specific goods. The government imposed an arms embargo on the war-torn country. Due to the embargo, importing luxury cars became nearly impossible.
ban	A general term for any prohibition or restriction, often used in legal, social, or organizational rules. Smoking is banned in public places. The school imposed a ban on cellphones during class hours.
blockade	Generally refers to an act of surrounding a place, such as a port, to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. Often used in a military or political context. The navy set up a blockade to stop the enemy from receiving supplies. During the blockade, the city faced severe food shortages.
prohibition	Refers to the action of forbidding something by law, typically used historically in the context of alcohol, or more broadly for legal restrictions. The Prohibition era in the United States saw a nationwide ban on the production and sale of alcohol. There is a strict prohibition on hunting endangered species.

Examples of usage

The United Nations imposed an embargo on the country in response to their human rights violations.
The embargo severely impacted the country's economy.
Many countries joined the embargo to put pressure on the government.
The embargo was lifted after negotiations between the two countries.
The embargo led to shortages of essential goods.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

international relations

To impose a ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.

Synonyms

ban, blockade, prohibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embargo	An embargo is a government order that restricts commerce or exchange with a specified country or the exchange of specific goods. It is often used in international relations and politics to exert pressure on a nation. The United Nations imposed an embargo on arms sales to the conflict region The trade embargo lasted for over a decade
ban	A ban is a formal prohibition or restriction. It can be applied in various contexts, such as law, sports, or social regulations. It generally has a broad application and can refer to any official prohibition. The government implemented a ban on smoking in public places There is a ban on using electronic devices during takeoff and landing
blockade	A blockade refers to an act of war where an enemy's ports are isolated by naval forces to prevent the passage of people, goods, or information. It has a strong military connotation and is often associated with wartime strategies. The naval blockade was aimed at cutting off supplies to the enemy forces During the war, the city was under blockade for several months
prohibit	To prohibit means to formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority. It is a general term used in legal, organizational, or social contexts to deny permission for certain actions or behaviors. The school prohibits the use of mobile phones during class hours New regulations prohibit the use of certain chemicals in food production

Examples of usage

The government decided to embargo the neighboring country.
The decision to embargo the country was met with mixed reactions.
The act of embargoing can have significant political consequences.
Embargoing a country is a diplomatic strategy to influence their behavior.
The country faced economic challenges due to being embargoed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'embargo' comes from the Spanish word 'embargar', which means 'to seize' or 'to hinder'.
It was first used in English in the early 17th century, primarily referring to banning ships from entering ports.
In context, an embargo is often a governmental action and can apply to trade, financial transactions, or travel.

Political Science

Governments often impose embargoes to penalize countries for actions like human rights violations or military aggression.
Embargoes can significantly impact economies; for instance, they can lead to shortages of goods and rising prices.
Sometimes embargoes are only partial, meaning certain items like food might still be traded while weapons are not.

History

The United States imposed a significant embargo on Cuba in 1960 that still affects trade relations today.
During World War I, an embargo on German goods aimed to cripple the enemy's economy.
Embargoes have played a key role in international relations, often used as a tool of diplomacy or protest.

Economics

Embargoes can lead to a rise in black market activities as countries find ways to bypass official restrictions.
The effectiveness of embargoes is often debated; some argue they harm everyday citizens more than political leaders.
Economists study embargoes to understand trade flow disruptions and the impact on global supply chains.

Pop Culture

Embargoes are often referenced in movies and TV shows that depict international politics, showcasing the tension they create.
Songs and literature sometimes include embargoes as a metaphor for restriction and control in relationships or society.
Famous diplomatic disputes, like those in the Cold War, frequently highlight embargoes in their narratives.

Translations

Translations of the word "embargo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embargo

🇮🇳 प्रतिबंध

🇩🇪 Embargo

🇮🇩 embargo

🇺🇦 ембарго

🇵🇱 embargo

🇯🇵 禁輸

🇫🇷 embargo

🇪🇸 embargo

🇹🇷 ambargo

🇰🇷 금수 조치

🇸🇦 حظر

🇨🇿 embargo

🇸🇰 embargo

🇨🇳 禁运

🇸🇮 embargo

🇮🇸 viðskiptabann

🇰🇿 эмбарго

🇬🇪 ემბარგო

🇦🇿 embarqo

🇲🇽 embargo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,553, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11550 bordered
11551 propagated
11552 coagulation
11553 embargo
11554 phosphoric
11555 cork
11556 pixel
...