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
1
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."
2
A temporary official ban on releasing certain information to the public.
"Journalists agreed to an embargo on the report until Monday morning."
verb
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- embargoes, embargos
- Third person singular
- embargoes
- Past tense
- embargoed
Fill the gap
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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".
Synonyms
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trade embargo
trade stoppage
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for embargo
See all rhymes for embargo →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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