Definition of: embargo

(im·bär′gō) noun plural ·goes
1. A prohibition by the sovereign power of a nation temporarily restraining vessels from leaving or entering its ports.
2. Authoritative stoppage of foreign commerce or of any special trade.
3. Any imposed impediment; a check or hindrance; specifically, in railroad operation, a notice forbidding massing of cars at specified places.
—v.t. ·goed, ·go·ing To lay an embargo upon. [<Sp. <embargar <em- in (<L in-) + bargar <LL barra a bar]