/ blɒˈkeɪd; NAmE blɑːˈk-/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
the action of surrounding or closing a place, especially a port, in order to stop people or goods from coming in or out :
a naval blockade
to impose / lift a blockade
an economic blockade (= stopping goods from entering or leaving a country)
2.
a barrier that stops people or vehicles from entering or leaving a place :
The police set up blockades on highways leading out of the city.
■ verb
[ vn ] to surround a place, especially a port, in order to stop people or goods from coming in or out
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent.: from block + -ade .