blockaded
blockaded — verb
- blockadedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- blockadeds3rd person singular
- blockadeding-ing form
- blockadededpast simple
1. to use military forces such as soldiers, ships, or aircraft to surround a city,
to use military forces such as soldiers, ships, or aircraft to surround a city, port, harbor, or country, cutting off all movement of people and goods in or out — typically done during a war or political conflict to force a change in policy or behaviour.
After the disputed election, several countries blockaded the main port to pressure the government.
collocation: blockade a port
Rebel forces blockaded Kabir's hometown, and his family could not get medicine.
active: [forces] blockaded [place]
The navy blockaded the island for two months before the general finally surrendered.
International warships blockaded the harbor to enforce the United Nations trade ban.
During the conflict, troops blockaded every road leading into the capital city.
- besiege
stronger emphasis on attacking or surrounding with intent to capture; 'blockade' focuses on cutting off supplies and movement
- surround
neutral and less forceful; does not imply military intent or cutting off supplies
- isolate
broader and less concrete; can apply to social or political situations without physical force
文法句型
blockade + noun phrase
be blockaded by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice ('was blockaded by…') when the focus is on the affected place rather than the military force doing the blockading.
常見錯誤
blockaded — noun
1. a military operation in which soldiers, ships, or aircraft surround a place and
a military operation in which soldiers, ships, or aircraft surround a place and prevent people or supplies from entering or leaving — used especially during wars or political conflicts to weaken an enemy or force a change in policy.
The naval blockade caused food prices to rise sharply across the country.
collocation: naval blockade
Wren's family fled the city days before the military blockade was announced.
Aid workers warned that the blockade was creating a humanitarian disaster.
The government finally lifted the blockade after reaching a peace agreement with the rebels.
The naval blockade stopped fishing boats from leaving the port, and Kabir's family lost their only income.
- siege
a blockade that also involves active attacks on the surrounded place; more aggressive than 'blockade'
- encirclement
the act of surrounding, but does not necessarily imply cutting off supplies
- embargo
a ban on trade with a country, but without physical military presence
- free passage
unrestricted movement in and out of a place
文法句型
[verb] + a blockade
the blockade + of + [place]
用法筆記
The verb 'impose' is commonly used to announce a blockade, and 'lift' or 'end' for removing one. Less formal alternatives include 'put a blockade in place' or 'remove a blockade'.