Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Embargo

Embargo , noun

[Sp., from embargar to arrest, restrain; pref. em- (Latin in) + Sp. barra bar, akin to French barre bar. See Bar.]

An edict or order of the government prohibiting the departure of ships of commerce from some or all of the ports within its dominions; a prohibition to sail.

If the embargo is laid on an enemy's ships, it is called a hostile embargo; if on the ships belonging to citizens of the embargoing state, it is called a civil embargo.

Embargo , transitive verb

To lay an embargo on and thus detain; to prohibit from leaving port; -- said of ships, also of commerce and goods.