blockade
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for blockade, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of sealing off a place, especially by sea, to stop goods or people moving in or out.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use blockade
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from block plus the suffix -ade, likely modeled on the Dutch or German word for the same idea.
Full origin of blockade →Frequently asked questions
What does “blockade” mean?
The word “blockade” means the act of sealing off a place, especially by sea, to stop goods or people moving in or out. In plain terms, sealing off a place, usually to stop trade, supplies, or travel.
How do you pronounce “blockade”?
“Blockade” is pronounced blo-KAYD (/blɑˈkeɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “blockade” in a sentence?
Here is “blockade” used in a sentence: “The navy imposed a blockade on the port.”
What is another word for “blockade”?
Words with a similar meaning to “blockade” include embargo.
What part of speech is “blockade”?
Depending on how it is used, “blockade” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blockade” come from?
The word “blockade” comes from German. Formed from block plus the suffix -ade, likely modeled on the Dutch or German word for the same idea.
Is “blockade” a common word?
“Blockade” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “blockade” have?
“Blockade” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of sealing off a place, especially by sea, to stop goods or people moving in or out.
What is the difference between a "blockade" and an "embargo"?
A blockade is the physical act of sealing off a place, especially by sea, to stop goods or people moving in or out, while an embargo is typically an official ban on trade or commerce with a country, enforced through law rather than physical obstruction. A blockade uses force or presence to block movement; an embargo uses legal or economic restriction.
What is the difference between a "blockade" and a "siege"?
A blockade focuses on cutting off supplies or movement into and out of a place, often by sea, while a siege is a broader military operation surrounding and attacking a location until it surrenders. A blockade can be one tactic used as part of a siege.
Can "blockade" be used as a verb?
Yes, "to blockade" means to seal off a place in order to cut off supplies or movement, as in "the navy blockaded the port." It functions as both a noun for the act itself and a verb for carrying it out.