blockade

== English == === Etymology === From block +‎ -ade, probably after Dutch blocquade (now blokkade) or German Blockade. === Pronunciation === (General American) IPA(key): /blɑˈkeɪd/ (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /blɒˈkeɪd/ Rhymes: -eɪd === Noun === blockade (plural blockades) The physical blocking or surrounding of a place, especially a port, in order to prevent commerce and traffic in or out. (by extension) Any form of formal isolation or inhibition of something, especially with the force of law or arms. (nautical) The ships or other forces used to effect a naval blockade. (biology, medicine) Inhibition of the activity (function) of chemical messengers or their receptors, such as (often) receptor antagonism. (chess) The act of preventing an opponent's pawn moving by placing a piece in front of it. (backgammon) Synonym of prime. ==== Synonyms ==== (blocking seaport activity): embargo (often metonymically synonymous) (inhibition via medication): antagonism, receptor antagonism ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== blockage (nearly synonymous, but not interchangeably; blockade usually denotes human agency) blocker (e.g., alpha-blocker, beta-blocker) ==== Translations ==== === Verb === blockade (third-person singular simple present blockades, present participle blockading, simple past and past participle blockaded) (transitive) To create a blockade against. ==== Translations ==== === References === === Anagrams === dockable