Definition of "embargo" in English

noun

1. An order by the government prohibiting ships from leaving port.

2. A ban on trade with another country.

3. A temporary ban on making certain information public.

   • This copy of the federal budget is under embargo until 2 p.m.

4. A heavy burden or severe constraint on action or expenditure.

verb

1. (transitive) To impose an embargo on trading certain goods with another country.

2. (transitive) To impose an embargo on a document.