blockade 1 of 2

Definition of blockadenext
as in siege
the cutting off of an area by military means to stop the flow of people or supplies it was the blockade of all the enemy's major ports that finally won the war

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blockade

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to guard
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point the militant protestors blockaded the whole area around city hall

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2
as in to besiege
to surround (as a fortified place) with armed forces for the purpose of capturing or preventing commerce and communication blockaded the city until it surrendered

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of blockade
Noun
The Triarchy, in cahoots with the Greens, lead a fleet to break up the blockade of the Gullet, the trade passage held by Rhaenyra's forces since the beginning of this civil war for succession. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 The president can put the blockade back in. CBS News, 21 June 2026
Verb
Gang federations such as the G9, for example, has blockaded access to ports and restricted access to gasoline and diesel supplies, while other groups, including the 5 Segonn gang, have periodically blocked access to the private Port Lafito. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 For more than a week, the country’s teacher’s union has blockaded roads and toppled World Cup statues in an annual push to win better working conditions. ABC News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for blockade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blockade
Noun
  • Born and educated in El Fasher, Ibrahim, a general practitioner, had worked throughout the siege in the last functioning health care facility, known as the Saudi Maternity Hospital, in the city.
    Janine di Giovanni, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026
  • The military broke more than yearlong siege on the city early last year.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Center Vlad Goldin and guard Trevor Keels, who closed last season on two-way contracts with the Heat, will also be on the Heat’s summer league team this year.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • But Emerald Bay is gate-guarded, accessible only to residents, and its half-mile stretch of golden sand is bordered by the cliffs of two jutting points, geographically cutting off public access via other beaches.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • In the adjacent room, the Shapiro team was equally besieged.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • The mass shooting that claimed 49 lives and injured dozens of others—the deadliest hate crime targeting LGBTQ+ people in American history—still leaves a grievous mark, most especially in a city, state and nation besieged with new attacks on the gay community.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • His pace routinely bothered Sweden, including on one impressive solo run in the first half that produced a quality attacking scenario.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
  • The video then shows the woman throwing Martinez to the ground, grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly attacking her as bystanders try to step in and help.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Louis rips his spine out, dislocates his jaw, and reads Claudia’s diary entries about how she was repeatedly assaulted by him.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Prosecutors are moving to dismiss charges against a man in Minneapolis who was accused of assaulting federal officers.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blockade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blockade. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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