Definition of blockade

The word "blockade" has its roots in the 16th-century French language. It originated from the Old Provençal word "blochar," meaning "to blockade" or "to shut up." This term was later adopted into Middle French as "bloquer," which carried the same meaning. In the 17th century, English language borrowed the term "blockade" from French, initially referring to the act of shutting up or closing off a place, such as a harbor or a town. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the act of surrounding an area or city with armed forces or ships to prevent access or communication. Today, the term "blockade" is widely used in military, naval, and international contexts to describe various forms of restriction or isolation, including economic, naval, or cyber blockades. Despite its evolution, the core meaning of the word remains tied to its original French roots, emphasizing the idea of shutting off or restricting access.