noun Uncommon

embargo

ihm-BAH-goh

Embargo (noun) means an official ban on trade with a particular country. Example: “The United Nations imposed an embargo on arms sales to the region.”

noun

An official ban on trade with a particular country.

"The United Nations imposed an embargo on arms sales to the region."

"The trade embargo cut off nearly all imports overnight."

A temporary official ban on releasing certain information to the public.

"Journalists agreed to an embargo on the report until Monday morning."

verb

To officially ban trade with a country, or to ban the release of information.

"The government embargoed all oil exports to the country."

How to use embargo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn official block — most often on trading with a country, but also used for holding back news until a set release time.

Common pairings

impose an embargo lift an embargo trade embargo under embargo

Word forms

embargoed past tense, embargoes plural, embargos plural, embargoes singular

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The United Nations imposed an _____ on arms sales to the region.

Etymology

From Spanish embargar, "to seize or restrain", ultimately from a Latin root meaning "to bar".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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trade embargo trade stoppage

Rhymes for embargo

Argo largo cargo margo Fargo

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Frequently asked questions

What does “embargo” mean?

The word “embargo” means an official ban on trade with a particular country. In plain terms, an official block — most often on trading with a country, but also used for holding back news until a set release time.

How do you pronounce “embargo”?

“Embargo” is pronounced ihm-BAH-goh (/ɪmˈbɑɹɡoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “embargo” in a sentence?

Here is “embargo” used in a sentence: “The United Nations imposed an embargo on arms sales to the region.”

What part of speech is “embargo”?

Depending on how it is used, “embargo” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “embargo” come from?

The word “embargo” comes from Latin. From Spanish embargar, "to seize or restrain", ultimately from a Latin root meaning "to bar".

Is “embargo” a common word?

“Embargo” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “embargo” have?

“Embargo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official ban on trade with a particular country.

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