blockade

²blockade

noun

Definition of BLOCKADE

1

: the isolation by a warring nation of an enemy area (as a harbor) by troops or warships to prevent passage of persons or supplies; broadly : a restrictive measure designed to obstruct the commerce and communications of an unfriendly nation

2

: something that blocks

3

: interruption of normal physiological function (as transmission of nerve impulses) of a cellular receptor, tissue, or organ; also : inhibition of a physiologically active substance (as a hormone)

Examples of BLOCKADE

1. <it was the blockade of all the enemy's major ports that finally won the war>

First Known Use of BLOCKADE

1693

Related to BLOCKADE

Synonyms: beleaguerment, investment, leaguer, siege

Related Words: counterblockade; containment, encirclement, encompassment; confinement, insulation, isolation, quarantine, seclusion, segregation, sequestration; incarceration, internment

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Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical