Word
blockade
Phoneticsblock·ade, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌbɫɑˈkeɪd/
UK/blɒkˈeɪd/
Definitions
01military/naval isolation
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the use of ships or soldiers to block a port or city so that nothing can go in or out.
n. the physical isolation of a location, particularly a port, by hostile forces to prevent the passage of commerce and supplies.
“The navy set up a blockade to stop supplies from reaching the enemy port.”
“The government maintained a strict naval blockade for several months, effectively crippling the city's economy by preventing the export of local goods.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'impose', 'lift', or 'break'.
Synonyms
02medical/biological inhibition
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. the act of stopping a chemical or nerve signal from working in the body.
n. the inhibition of the physiological activity of a chemical messenger or its receptor, often through the use of drugs.
“The doctor used a nerve blockade to stop the patient from feeling pain during the procedure.”
“The pharmacological blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors is a standard treatment for managing certain cardiovascular conditions.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the context of 'receptor blockade' or 'nerve blockade'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“When the capital came under siege by Islamist fighters, they managed to impose a partial blockade there and total blockades elsewhere including the city of Ségou.” “His mother, brother and sister, and three neighbours have also been blockaded inside, and their power and water have been cut off.” Etymology
From block + -ade, probably after Dutch blocquade (now blokkade) or German Blockade.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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