<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>any restriction imposed upon commerce by edict, especially against a certain country as a penalty or to induce compliance with demands or legal obligations.</li><li>an order of a government prohibiting the movement of merchant ships into or out of its ports.</li><li>an injunction from a government commerce agency to refuse freight for shipment, as in case of congestion or insufficient facilities.</li><li>a restraint or hindrance; prohibition.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb:</strong></p><ul><li>to impose an embargo on.</li></ul>