embargo

UK: ɪmˈbɑːɡəʊ | US: ɪmˈbɑːrɡoʊ

Definition

  1. n. 1. An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.

  2. n. 2. A legal order prohibiting ships from entering or leaving a country's ports.

  3. vt. To impose an official ban on trade or movement.

Structure
em <in, from Spanish "en">bar <barrier, from Spanish "barrar">go <suffix, nominalizing action>
Etymology

The word "embargo" originates from Spanish, combining "en-" (in) and "barrar" (to bar or block). It originally referred to the act of barring ships from ports, later expanding to trade restrictions. The morpheme "em-" reflects Latin influence (via Spanish), while "bar" retains its core meaning of obstruction. The suffix "-go" nominalizes the action, typical in Spanish-derived terms.

Examples

  1. The UN imposed an oil embargo on the country due to human rights violations.

  2. During the war, the government embargoed all foreign vessels.

  3. The embargo severely impacted the nation's economy.

  4. Protesters demanded an end to the arms embargo.

  5. Historical embargoes often led to the rise of black markets.