embargo

Definition

An order by the government prohibiting ships from leaving port.

Etymology

From Spanish embargar (“to arrest”), from late Latin *imbarricāre (“to bar”), from Latin in- + Vulgar Latin *barra (“bar, barrier”).

Example Sentences

• "Instead he [Jefferson] proposed an embargo, an end to all trade between America and England."
• "This copy of the federal budget is under embargo until 2 p.m."
• "They were delighted with the idea of their mamma having forgiven Louisa, but sorry, she thought, such a public proof of her pardon necessary as that of giving a party; for the sisters well knew how great an embargo it would lay on the purses of Helen and Georgiana;..."