Embargoes: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to official restrictions on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.

• The government imposed economic embargoes on the neighboring country.
• Multiple embargoes were in place, limiting the country's ability to export goods.

Refers to a formal or legal prohibition against something, often broader in scope than an embargo.

• There is a ban on smoking in public places.
• The city initiated a ban on plastic bags to reduce waste.

Describes a situation where access to a particular area or resource is physically blocked, often used in military or political contexts.

• The naval blockade prevented any ships from entering the port.
• Due to the blockade, food and medical supplies couldn't reach the affected area.

Used to describe the formal act of disallowing or preventing something by law, often historical or generic.

• The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s led to the rise of illegal speakeasies.
• There is a strict prohibition on the use of cell phones in the exam hall.

Primarily used in an international context where one or more countries restrict trade or other commercial activities with another country.

• The United Nations imposed embargoes on the country to restrict its trade.
• The new policy includes several embargoes on imported goods.

Commonly used in both official and unofficial contexts to indicate a formal prohibition of certain actions, products, or activities.

• The government announced a ban on single-use plastics.
• There is a ban on smoking in public places.

Typically used in a military or political context to describe an effort to isolate a particular area by preventing the movement of goods and people.

• The naval blockade prevented ships from entering the harbor.
• During the war, the city was under blockade, causing severe shortages.

Generally used in a legal or regulatory context to indicate that something is not allowed by law or rule.

• The new law will prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors.
• The school rules prohibit the use of mobile phones during class hours.