Definition

A situation where a country or area is surrounded by military forces to stop people or goods from entering or leaving.

Example

The blockade prevented any ships from entering the harbor for weeks.

Conversation

Did you hear about the blockade at the harbor?

Yeah, it’s causing a lot of delays for shipments.

I can’t believe how much it’s affecting the local businesses.

I know! They really need to resolve that situation quickly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To prevent access to a place by surrounding it or blocking it off, often in a military context.

Example

The army decided to blockade the city to stop supplies from entering.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the protest downtown?

Yeah, I saw they set up a blockade to stop traffic.

I wonder how long they'll keep that blockade going.

Root Explanation

Blockade → It is formed from "block" (from Old French *bloquer*, meaning to obstruct or stop) and "-ade" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an action or process). The word "blockade" refers to the action of obstructing or stopping access to a place, typically in a military context.

Memory Tip

Think of the action of 'stopping' ('block') something from getting through, which is what a blockade does.

Visually Confused Words