blockade n
1. a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy [syn: encirclement]
2. prevents access or progress v
3. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of; "His brother blocked him at every turn" [syn: obstruct, block, hinder, stymie, stymy, embarrass]
4. render unsuitable for passage; "block the way"; "barricade the streets"; "stop the busy road" [syn: barricade, block, stop, block off, block up, bar]
5. obstruct access to [syn: block off]
6. impose a blockade on [syn: seal off]

Blockade \Block*ade"\, n. [Cf. It. bloccata. See Block, v. t. ]
1. The shutting up of a place by troops or ships, with the purpose of preventing ingress or egress, or the reception of supplies; as, the blockade of the ports of an enemy. Note: Blockade is now usually applied to an investment with ships or vessels, while siege is used of an investment by land forces. To constitute a blockade, the investing power must be able to apply its force to every point of practicable access, so as to render it dangerous to attempt to enter; and there is no blockade of that port where its force can not be brought to bear. --Kent.
2. An obstruction to passage. To raise a blockade. See under Raise.

Blockade \Block*ade"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Blockaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Blockading.]
1. To shut up, as a town or fortress, by investing it with troops or vessels or war for the purpose of preventing ingress or egress, or the introduction of supplies. See note under Blockade, n. ``Blockaded the place by sea.'' --Gilpin.

See more meaning on Blockade...

A blockade is an effort to cut off food, supplies, war materiel or communications from a particular area by force, either in part or totally. A blockade should not be confused with an embargo or sanctions, which are legal barriers to trade, and is distinct from a siege in that a blockade is usually directed at an entire country or region, rather than a fortress or city. Most blockades historically took place at sea, with the blockading power seeking to cut off all maritime transport from and to the blockaded country; although stopping all land transport to and from an area may also be considered a blockade. In the 20th century air power has also been used to enhance the effectiveness of the blockade by halting all air traffic within the blockaded air space.

Close patrol of the hostile ports, in order to prevent naval forces from putting to sea, is also referred to as a blockade. When a coastal cities or fortresses were besieged from the landward side, the besiegers would often blockade the seaward side as well. Most recently, blockades have sometimes included cutting off electronic communications by jamming radio signals and severing undersea cables.

• Lift of NATO supply blockade may trigger protests in Pakistan - Xinhua News Agency
  ISLAMABAD, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The possible restoration of supply lines for the NATO forces fighting in Afghanistan is likely to trigger a wide range of protests and terrorist attacks in Pakistan as some militant groups and religio-political forces warned ... Read more on this news related to 'Blockade'
• Road blockade as Couva residents protest plant - Trinidad Express
  The Savonetta Main Road, near Couva, was blocked with burning tyres and debris yesterday as residents continued their protest against the construction of the CariSal chemical plant near their homes. The blockade prevented motorists from getting into or out ... Read more on this news related to 'Blockade'
• Quebec police riot squad breaks protest blockade - montrealgazette.com
  MONTREAL — Around 100 baton-carrying Quebec riot police broke a blockade at a Montreal-area community college Tuesday morning, a day after a similar protest shut the school down. Faculty and staff of College Lionel Groulx in suburban Ste. Therese started ... Read more on this news related to 'Blockade'