n.; pl.Embargoes [ Sp., fr. embargar to arrest, restrain; pref. em- (L. in) + Sp. barra bar, akin to F. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Embargoed p. pr. & vb. n. Embargoing. ] To lay an embargo on and thus detain; to prohibit from leaving port; -- said of ships, also of commerce and goods. [ 1913 Webster ]