embargo

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An embargo is when a country or organization stops buying or selling things with another country, usually because they don't agree with something that's happening there.

Imagine two friends who are close but have been arguing for a while. They might stop talking to each other for a bit, which means they're not communicating as much as usual. An embargo is kind of like that, but between countries and things like food or fuel instead of conversations. If country A stops trading with country B because of some disagreement, it's an embargo.

How common is "embargo"?

Word embargo is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

An order by the government prohibiting ships from leaving port.
A ban on trade with another country.
A temporary ban on making certain information public.
Example: This copy of the federal budget is under embargo until 2 p.m.
A heavy burden or severe constraint on action or expenditure.

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blockade

Real examples of "embargo" in context

John Cena Reveals Peacemaker Season 2 Surprises, Reminisces on His First WWE Match (Extended)

Interview

You know, it's been an embargo. This is so secretive.

6:04

embargo

How common is "embargo"?

noun

Real examples of "embargo" in context

John Cena Reveals Peacemaker Season 2 Surprises, Reminisces on His First WWE Match (Extended)

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