Embargo
/ɪmˈbɑːrɡoʊ/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.
/ɪmˈbɑːrɡoʊ/
A government order prohibiting trade or other commercial activity with a specific country.
The international community placed an embargo on arms sales to the region.
💡 Simply: Imagine a country is being naughty, and another country says, "No more trading!" That's an embargo. It's like a timeout for their money and business.
👶 For kids: A rule that says a country can't trade or buy things from another country.
More Examples
The embargo caused a shortage of essential goods.
The government lifted the embargo after reaching a peace agreement.
How It's Used
"The United Nations imposed an embargo on the country's oil exports."
"The trade embargo significantly impacted the local economy."
To officially prohibit or restrict trade or commercial activity with a particular country or group of countries.
/ɪmˈbɑːrɡoʊ/
To impose an embargo on.
The international community voted to embargo the sale of weapons to the country.
💡 Simply: To embargo is to officially say 'no more' to trading. Like when a school says no more bringing your own snacks.
👶 For kids: To stop a country from trading or buying things from another country.
More Examples
The government threatened to embargo all imports if the situation didn't improve.
The UN has the power to embargo any country that breaks international laws.
How It's Used
"The government decided to embargo all exports to the disputed territory."
"The company was forced to embargo shipments due to regulations."
Idioms & expressions
lift an embargo
To remove or end an embargo.
"The government decided to lift the embargo after the peace treaty was signed."
impose an embargo
To put an embargo in place.
"The international community decided to impose an embargo on the country's oil exports."
From Spanish or Portuguese 'embargo' meaning 'hindrance, impediment', from 'embargar' meaning 'to obstruct'. Ultimately derived from Latin 'imbarricare', meaning 'to barricade'.
The word 'embargo' has been used since the late 17th century to describe restrictions on maritime trade, often during times of war or political tension. It gained prominence during the Napoleonic Wars and has been used frequently in international relations since.
Memory tip
Imagine a BAR (as in bar the door) blocking GO (as in going or trade).