block·ade (blŏ-kād')
n.

1. The isolation of a nation, area, city, or harbor by hostile ships or forces in order to prevent the entrance and exit of traffic and commerce.
2. The forces used to effect this isolation.

tr.v., -ad·ed, -ad·ing, -ades.
To set up a blockade against. See synonyms at besiege.

[Probably BLOCK + -ade (as in BARRICADE).]

blockader block·ad'er n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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