Blockade — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /blä-ˈkād/ block·ade

Meaning & Definition of Blockade

Blockade (verb)

  1. to subject to a blockade
  2. block, obstruct

Blockade (noun)

  1. the isolation by a warring nation of an enemy area (such as a harbor) by troops or warships to prevent passage of persons or supplies; broadly, a restrictive measure designed to obstruct the commerce and communications of an unfriendly nation
  2. something that blocks
  3. interruption of normal physiological function (such as transmission of nerve impulses) of a cellular receptor, tissue, or organ; also, inhibition of a physiologically active substance (such as a hormone)

Blockade (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the cutting off of an area by military means to stop the flow of people or supplies

    "it was the blockade of all the enemy's major ports that finally won the war"

    similar: beleaguerment, investment, leaguer, siege
    related: counterblockade, containment, encirclement, encompassment, confinement, insulation, isolation, quarantine, seclusion, segregation, sequestration, incarceration, internment

Blockade (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point

    "the militant protestors blockaded the whole area around city hall"

    similar: bar, barricade, block (off), close (off), guard, wall (off)
    related: curtain (off), screen (off), dike, fence, gate, hedge, bolt, lock, obstruct
    opposite: open, unbar
    near: reopen, unblock, unbolt

  2. to surround (as a fortified place) with armed forces for the purpose of capturing or preventing commerce and communication

    "blockaded the city until it surrendered"

    similar: beleaguer, besiege, invest, leaguer (archaic), lay siege to
    related: barricade, block, cut off, dam, encircle, assail, assault, attack, beset, confine, insulate, isolate, quarantine
    near: emancipate, free, liberate, release, rescue

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Blockade

The most common words with a similar meaning to Blockade:

Archaic: leaguer
beleaguerment, investment, siege, bar, barricade, block (off), close (off), guard, wall (off), beleaguer, besiege, invest, lay siege to

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Blockade

Words with the opposite meaning of Blockade:

open, unbar

Related Words for Blockade

counterblockade, containment, encirclement, encompassment, confinement, insulation, isolation, quarantine, seclusion, segregation, sequestration, incarceration, internment, curtain (off), screen (off), dike, fence, gate, hedge, bolt, lock, obstruct, block, cut off, dam, encircle, assail, assault, attack, beset

Near Antonyms of Blockade

reopen, unblock, unbolt, emancipate, free, liberate, release, rescue

Word Forms of Blockade

Inflections: blockaded, blockading

Derived words: blockader (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Blockade

derivative of blockade:2

First known use: 1684

Words & Phrases Containing Blockade

blockade-runner, counterblockade

Frequently Asked Questions about Blockade

What does "Blockade" mean?

"Blockade" means to subject to a blockade. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to subject to a blockade. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Blockade"?

Other words for "Blockade" include beleaguerment, investment, leaguer, siege, bar, barricade, block (off) and close (off). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Blockade" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Blockade"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Blockade". Common alternatives include beleaguerment, investment, leaguer, siege, bar, barricade, block (off), close (off), guard and wall (off).

What is the opposite of "Blockade"?

Antonyms of "Blockade" include open and unbar. Near antonyms include reopen, unblock, unbolt and emancipate.

How do you use "Blockade" in a sentence?

Examples of "Blockade" in a sentence: "it was the blockade of all the enemy's major ports that finally won the war"; "the militant protestors blockaded the whole area around city hall"; "blockaded the city until it surrendered".

Is "Blockade" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Blockade" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Blockade"?

"Blockade" is pronounced /blä-ˈkād/ and divided into syllables as block·ade.

What is the origin of the word "Blockade"?

"Blockade" comes from derivative of blockade:2. First known use: 1684.