blockade

[blɒˈkeɪd]

blockade Definition

• 1. an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
• 2. an obstruction that prevents something from moving forward or progressing

Using blockade: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "blockade" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The blockade of the port prevented the delivery of essential supplies.

• Example

  The protesters set up a blockade on the highway.

• Example

  The enemy forces established a naval blockade around the island.

• Example

  The construction work caused a blockade in the traffic.

blockade Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for blockade

• barrier
• obstruction
• embargo
• ban
• restriction

Antonyms for blockade

• access
• opening

Idioms Using blockade

• put up a blockade

  to create an obstacle or barrier to prevent something from happening

  Example

  The company put up a blockade to prevent the union from organizing its workers.

• break the blockade

  to overcome an obstacle or barrier that is preventing something from happening

  Example

  The team managed to break the blockade and score the winning goal.

• hit a blockade

  to encounter an obstacle or barrier that prevents further progress

  Example

  We hit a blockade in negotiations and couldn't reach an agreement.

Phrases with blockade

• economic blockade

  a tactic used by a country to cut off trade with another country in order to force political or economic concessions

  Example

  The economic blockade imposed by the United States had a devastating effect on the Cuban economy.

• blockade runner

  a ship that is used to evade a naval blockade and transport goods or people in or out of a blockaded area

  Example

  During the American Civil War, many blockade runners were used to smuggle goods into the Confederate states.

• mental blockade

  a state of mind where a person is unable to think clearly or come up with new ideas

  Example

  I'm experiencing a mental blockade and can't seem to finish this project.

Origins of blockade

from Old French 'blokade', from 'bloquer' meaning 'to block'

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Summary: blockade in Brief

The term 'blockade' [blɒˈkeɪd] refers to the act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving, or an obstruction that prevents something from moving forward. It can be used in contexts such as military operations, protests, and traffic. Examples include 'The enemy forces established a naval blockade around the island.' and 'The construction work caused a blockade in the traffic.' Phrases like 'economic blockade' and idioms like 'put up a blockade' extend the meaning to political and social contexts.