Blockade Meaning
/blɑˈkeɪd/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe physical blocking or surrounding of a place, especially a port, in order to prevent commerce and traffic in or out.
nounAny form of formal isolation or inhibition of something, especially with the force of law or arms.
Sentence Examples
The blockade by Britain and the other allies was very successful.
Israel's blockade on Gaza has cut off Palestinians from the rest of the world.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The navy enforced a strict ____ to prevent supplies from reaching the enemy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The navy established a ____ to stop the enemy ships from entering.
Word Origin & History
From block + -ade, probably after Dutch blocquade (now blokkade) or German Blockade.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A six-day blockade from 28 May to 2 June saw NR [National Rail] straighten the track through the station, facilitating a linespeed increase from 60mph to 85mph over a 4km stretch."
— 2019 October, Philip Sherratt, “Midland Main Line upgrade presses on”, in Modern Railways, page 62:
"In the mean time, Francesca, separated from Madame de Mercœur, was hidden by a group around the Queen of Sweden. With the wall on one side, and a human blockade on the other, she was left at full leisure to meditate on a vow made at the first announcement of the lottery, namely, that whatever might fall to her lot she would offer in a neighbouring chapel to the Virgin, at whose shrine she would kneel one hour for Guido's safe return."
— 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXII, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume I, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 265:
"On January 5 1969, residents blockaded the level crossing at Newcastleton, ahead of the final passenger train. It was only after the then-local MP David (now Lord) Steel had alighted from the St Pancras-bound Sleeper service and negotiated their dispersal (in return for the release without charge of one of the protest organisers, Reverend Brydon Maben) that the train was allowed on its way."
— 2020 May 6, Graeme Pickering, “Borders Railway: time for the next step”, in Rail, page 52:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The navy enforced a strict ____ to prevent supplies from reaching the enemy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The navy established a ____ to stop the enemy ships from entering.