blockade
UK: blɒˈkeɪd | US: blɑːˈkeɪd
n. 1. The act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
n. 2. A barrier or obstruction, especially in a military context.
vt. 1. To impose a blockade on a place.
The word "blockade" originates from the French "blocus" (block) + the suffix "-ade," which denotes an action or result. It entered English in the 17th century, initially referring to military strategies of isolating enemy territories. The root "block" traces back to Middle Dutch "blok" (log or obstacle), while "-ade" was borrowed from Romance languages to form nouns indicating processes or outcomes (e.g., "crusade," "arcade"). The term vividly captures the logic of physically "blocking" access, evolving into both a noun and verb.
The navy enforced a strict blockade to cut off supplies to the enemy.
Protesters formed a human blockade to stop the trucks from entering the factory.
During the war, the city suffered under a prolonged economic blockade.
The government threatened to blockade the harbor if negotiations failed.
Breaking the naval blockade required careful strategic planning.