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Definition of embargo : 1. An edict or order of the government prohibiting the departure of ships of commerce from some or all of the ports within its dominions; a prohibition to sail.
2. To lay an embargo on and thus detain; to prohibit from leaving port; - said of ships, also of commerce and goods.

Synonyms:

ban, impediment, trade stoppage, trade embargo, prohibition, restraint, refusal

Usage examples:

• In time of war he knew it had been usual to open the ports of the West India Islands to foreigners, merely as a measure of necessity; and it was not until the Americans attempted to starve them by their embargo acts that they were driven to the resort of finding resources elsewhere. - "Memoir of the Life of John Quincy Adams.", Josiah Quincy.
• The honorable member has referred to expressions on the subject of the embargo law, made in this place, by an honorable and venerable gentleman, now favoring us with his presence. - "Select Speeches of Daniel Webster", Daniel Webster.
• It was my intention to stop at San Lucar, for the purpose of recovering the chest of Testaments which had been placed in embargo there, until such time as they could be removed from the kingdom of Spain. - "The Bible in Spain", George Borrow.