n. & v.
--n.
1. the surrounding or blocking of a place, esp. a port, by an enemy to prevent entry and exit of supplies etc.
2 anything that prevents access or progress.
3 US an obstruction by snow etc.
--v.tr.
1. subject to a blockade.
2 obstruct (a passage, a view, etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
blockade-runner
1. a vessel which runs or attempts to run into a blockaded port.
2 the owner, master, or one of the crew of such a vessel. run a blockade enter or leave a blockaded port by evading the blockading force.
Derivatives:
blockader n.
Etymology: BLOCK + -ADE(1), prob. after ambuscade