Embargoed: meaning, definitions and examples
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embargoed
[ ɪmˈbɑːrɡoʊd ]
trade restriction
Embargoed refers to a situation where trade or commerce with a specific country is prohibited or restricted due to political reasons or sanctions. This term is often used in international relations and can encompass a wide range of goods and services. Embargoes are typically imposed by governments and international organizations as a reaction to actions taken by the target nation, such as human rights violations, armed aggression, or the pursuit of nuclear weapons. When a nation is under an embargo, it may find its economy severely impacted, leading to shortages of essential goods and services. The term can also extend to information or media that is not to be released until a specified time.
Synonyms
halted, prohibited, restricted
Examples of usage
- The country was embargoed after its military actions.
- Media reports were embargoed until the official announcement.
- Certain materials were embargoed to prevent their proliferation.
- The trade embargo affected the local economy significantly.
Etymology
The term 'embargo' originates from the Spanish word 'embargar', which means to seize or hinder. This Spanish term itself is derived from the late Latin 'imbarricare', meaning to block or hinder a ship, indicating an action to restrict movement, particularly in maritime contexts. The concept of an embargo has been used since the early modern period, particularly in relation to trade and naval blockades, as countries aimed to exert political pressure or respond to hostile actions by other nations. The use of the word 'embargoed' became more common in the 20th century, especially during conflicts such as the Cold War, when various nations enacted embargoes as a form of economic warfare. Today, embargoes can be applied for a range of reasons, including human rights abuses, environmental issues, and international disputes, reflecting the complex interplay of global diplomacy and trade.