Definition of embargo

The word "embargo" has its roots in the Spanish language. It comes from the Spanish word "embargar," which means "to blockade" or "to seize." In the 17th century, the Spanish Crown used the term to describe a naval blockade or a prohibition on ships from entering or leaving a specific port or area. This was done to restrict the flow of goods and resources to or from a particular region, often as a means of exercising diplomatic pressure or enforcing a trade embargo. The term eventually made its way into English, where it has been used to describe a prohibition or restriction on the import or export of goods, often imposed by a government as a form of economic sanctions. Today, an embargo can take many forms, including trade restrictions, travel bans, or financial sanctions. Despite its Origins in the Spanish language, the word "embargo" is widely used in international relations and diplomacy.