What does embargo mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈembɑrgoʊ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb or Noun

Definition

Embargo: To restrict or prohibit the importation, exportation, or sale of goods and services of a particular country or entity due to political, economic, or moral concerns.

Embargo can also refer to a specific restriction or prohibition imposed on a particular person or entity.

Examples

• The country imposed an embargo on the importation of oil from the foreign nation.
• The company placed an embargo on the sale of its products in countries where human rights are not respected.

Synonyms

• Ban
• Blockade
• Restriction

Antonyms

• Permit
• Lift

Etymology

The word ’embargo’ originates from the Spanish word ’embargar,’ meaning ‘to prevent access to something.’ It has been used in English since the 17th century.

Usage Notes

The word ’embargo’ is commonly used in international relations, trade, and commerce. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

For example:

• The government has imposed an embargo on the importation of goods from the neighboring country.
• Apple placed an embargo on its products in Russia due to the war with Ukraine.

Cultural References

The word ’embargo’ has been referenced in popular culture, including:

• In a 1989 memo, former US President Donald Trump mentioned that an embargo on Chinese textiles could hurt the US economy.
• During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US government imposed a naval blockade and economic embargo on Cuba.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions that include the word ’embargo,’ including:

• On an embargo, meaning to be prohibited or restricted from something.
• Place an embargo, meaning to restrict or prohibit something.

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases that are closely related in meaning or usage include:

• Ban
• Blockade
• Restriction
• Prohibition

Collocations

Common word combinations that include the term ’embargo’ include:

• Trade embargo
• Agricultural embargo
• Economic embargo

Frequency of Use

The word ’embargo’ is relatively common in modern language, especially in international relations, trade, and commerce.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word ’embargo’ include:

• Embarco
• Embargoa
• Embargoee