I. block ‧ ade 1 /blɒˈkeɪd $ blɑː-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ block , ↑ unblock , ↑ blockade ; noun : ↑ block , ↑ blockage , ↑ blockade ; adjective : blocked, unblocked]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Origin: ⇨ ↑ block 1 + French -ade 'action of' ]
1 . [usually singular] the surrounding of an area by soldiers or ships to stop people or supplies entering or leaving:
a naval blockade
They’ve imposed an economic blockade on the country.
an agreement to lift the blockade (=end it)
2 . something that is used to stop vehicles or people entering or leaving a place:
Angry farmers used tractors as blockades on the streets.
II. blockade 2 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ block , ↑ unblock , ↑ blockade ; noun : ↑ block , ↑ blockage , ↑ blockade ; adjective : blocked, unblocked]
to put a place under a blockade:
The ships blockaded the port.