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embargo

noun

/ɛmˈbɑːɡəʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of embargo

A government-imposed restriction on trade or economic activity with a specific country or group of countries.
"The government imposed an embargo on all exports to the hostile nation."

Detailed meaning of embargo

This can include restrictions on the import or export of goods, the movement of money or other financial assets, or on travel or communications. Embargoes are typically imposed as a foreign policy tool, in order to exert political or economic pressure on a country or group of countries. The goal of an embargo can be to change the behavior of a targeted country or group, to achieve a specific political or economic objective, or to isolate a country from the international community. Embargoes can be comprehensive, prohibiting all trade and economic activity, or targeted, only prohibiting specific goods or activities. They can be unilaterally imposed by one country or imposed by a group of countries, such as through the United Nations. Embargoes are considered a form of economic sanctions and can have significant economic and political impact on the targeted country or group.

Example sentences containing embargo

1. The government imposed an embargo on trade with the neighboring country.
2. The embargo had a significant impact on the nation's economy, leading to job losses.
3. The company faced financial difficulties due to the embargo on its primary export market.
4. The diplomat negotiated the lifting of the embargo, allowing for the resumption of trade.
5. The country's decision to impose an embargo was met with international criticism.
6. The embargo prevented the import of essential goods, causing shortages and price hikes.

History and etymology of embargo

The noun 'embargo' has its origins in Spanish and Portuguese, derived from the Spanish word 'embargar' or the Portuguese word 'embargar,' both of which mean 'to impede' or 'to hinder.' These terms are thought to have been influenced by the Latin word 'imbarcare,' which means 'to embark' or 'to put on board a ship.' Over time, 'embargo' came to represent a government-imposed restriction on trade or economic activity with a specific country or group of countries. The etymology of 'embargo' underscores its original sense of hindrance or impediment and reflects how such restrictions are designed to obstruct or limit commerce with the targeted nations, often for political, economic, or security reasons.

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Further usage examples of embargo

1. The newspaper called for an end to the embargo, arguing for diplomatic solutions instead.
2. The embargo on cultural exchange limited the flow of ideas and artistic expression.
3. The farmer struggled to sell their crops abroad due to the ongoing trade embargo.
4. The embargo disrupted supply chains, affecting industries reliant on imported materials.
5. The musician's concert was canceled due to an embargo on international travel.
6. The embargo restricted the movement of goods, leaving shelves empty in stores.
7. The embargo on certain goods limited international trade.
8. The United Nations imposed an embargo on weapons sales to the war-torn region.
9. The embargo disrupted the flow of essential supplies.
10. The country faced economic hardships due to the trade embargo.
11. The embargo had a significant impact on the nation's economy.
12. The embargo aimed to pressure the regime to change its policies.
13. Diplomats worked to negotiate an end to the embargo.
14. The embargo hurt businesses that relied on international markets.
15. The embargo prohibited the export of critical technology.
16. The embargo strained relations between the two nations.
17. The embargo limited access to vital medical supplies.
18. The embargo was seen as a diplomatic tool to achieve specific goals.
19. The embargo was a response to human rights violations.
20. The embargo hurt the livelihoods of local farmers.
21. The embargo's effects were felt throughout the country.
22. The embargo aimed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
23. Negotiations to lift the embargo were ongoing.
24. The embargo's impact on the energy sector was severe.
25. The embargo led to shortages of essential goods.
26. Businesses lobbied for an end to the trade embargo.
27. The embargo aimed to curb illegal trade activities.
28. The embargo was lifted as part of a peace agreement.
29. The embargo raised questions about its effectiveness as a diplomatic tool.