First Known Use: 1593
Dictionary
1embargo
noun em·bar·go \im-ˈbär-(ˌ)gō\
: a government order that limits trade in some way
plural em·bar·goes
Full Definition of EMBARGO
1
: an order of a government prohibiting the departure of commercial ships from its ports
2
: a legal prohibition on commerce <a trade embargo>
3
: stoppage, impediment; especially : prohibition <I lay no embargo on anybody's words — Jane Austen>
4
: an order by a common carrier or public regulatory agency prohibiting or restricting freight transportation
See embargo defined for English-language learners
See embargo defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of EMBARGO
Spanish, from embargar to bar, from Vulgar Latin *imbarricare, from Latin in- + Vulgar Latin *barra bar
Related to EMBARGO
- Synonyms
- ban, prohibition, interdict, interdiction, proscription, veto
- Antonyms
- prescription
Other Government and Politics Terms
2embargo
verb
embargoedembargo·ing
Definition of EMBARGO
transitive verb
: to place an embargo on
First Known Use of EMBARGO
1755
Other Government and Politics Terms
EMBARGO Defined for Kids
embargo
noun em·bar·go \im-ˈbär-gō\
plural em·bar·goes
Definition of EMBARGO for Kids
: an order of a government forbidding ships engaged in trade from leaving its ports <an oil embargo>
Learn More About EMBARGO
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: embarkPrevious Word in the Dictionary: embarcaderoAll Words Near: embargo
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up embargo? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).