C1nounformalpoliticsbusiness
US/ɪmˈbɑːr.ɡoʊ/
UK/ɪmˈbɑː.ɡəʊ/
an official order that bans trade with a particular country
In context
The government imposed an embargo on oil exports to the country.
The embargo was lifted after both sides signed the peace agreement.
Economists say a long trade embargo can badly hurt ordinary families.
Words that go with embargo
verb + noun
- impose an embargoSeveral countries imposed an embargo on weapons sales.
- lift an embargoThe president promised to lift the embargo next year.
noun + noun
- trade embargoA trade embargo cut off most food imports.
- oil embargoThe oil embargo caused fuel prices to rise sharply.
- arms embargoAn arms embargo was placed on the region.
noun + preposition
- embargo onThere is still an embargo on goods from that country.
adjective + noun
- strict embargoA strict embargo left the port almost empty.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
put an embargo toCorrect: impose an embargo on