What does "blockade" mean?
The physical blocking or surrounding of a place, especially a port, in order to prevent commerce and traffic in or out.
Blockade
/blɑˈkeɪd/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The physical blocking or surrounding of a place, especially a port, in order to prevent commerce and traffic in or out.
- Grammar: blockade is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abdominal epilepsy, access, acquired epilepsy, activated epilepsy.
- Useful contrasts: access, accesses, allow.
- Usage evidence: The blockade by Britain and the other allies was very successful.
How to use "blockade"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "blockade" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "blockade" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "blockade" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "blockade" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "blockade" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abdominal epilepsy" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "blockade", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The physical blocking or surrounding of a place, especially a port, in order to prevent commerce and traffic in or out.
"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."
- 2 a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy wordnet
- 3 Any form of formal isolation or inhibition of something, especially with the force of law or arms. broadly
"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."
- 4 prevents access or progress wordnet
- 5 The ships or other forces used to effect a naval blockade.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Inhibition of the activity (function) of chemical messengers or their receptors, such as (often) receptor antagonism.
"beta-blockade"
- 7 The act of preventing an opponent's pawn moving by placing a piece in front of it.
- 8 Synonym of prime.
Verb
- 1 To create a blockade against. transitive
"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."
- 2 impose a blockade on wordnet
- 3 obstruct access to wordnet
- 4 render unsuitable for passage wordnet
- 5 hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The blockade by Britain and the other allies was very successful."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "blockade"?
Common synonyms include: abdominal epilepsy, access, acquired epilepsy, activated epilepsy, affect epilepsy, afterthought.
How do you use "blockade" in a sentence?
The blockade by Britain and the other allies was very successful.
How do you pronounce "blockade"?
Pronounced /blɑˈkeɪd/.
Etymology
From block + -ade, probably after Dutch blocquade (now blokkade) or German Blockade.