I. blä-ˈkād transitive verb
( block·ad·ed ; block·ad·ing )
Date: 1680
1. : to subject to a blockade
2. : block , obstruct
• block·ad·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1693
1. : the isolation by a warring nation of an enemy area (as a harbor) by troops or warships to prevent passage of persons or supplies ; broadly : a restrictive measure designed to obstruct the commerce and communications of an unfriendly nation
2. : something that blocks
3. : interruption of normal physiological function (as transmission of nerve impulses) of a cellular receptor, tissue, or organ ; also : inhibition of a physiologically active substance (as a hormone)