Embargo

How it is used

An embargo is imposed, enforced, broken or lifted. The 'arms embargo' is the most common type in UN practice. It is narrower than 'sanctions', which can also include financial and travel measures. In journalism a 'press embargo' means news cannot be published before a set time.

Example sentences

1. The council imposed an arms embargo on all parties to the conflict.

2. The trade embargo was lifted after the agreement was signed.

3. Customs officers seized a shipment that broke the embargo.

Common collocations

• arms embargo
• trade embargo
• impose an embargo
• lift an embargo
• oil embargo

Related terms

• sanctionsPenalties, such as trade restrictions or frozen assets, that one or more countries or international organisations impose on a state, group or person to change their behaviour.
• export controlsGovernment rules that limit, or require licences for, the export of sensitive goods, software and technology, especially items that could have military uses.
• targeted sanctionsSanctions aimed at specific people, companies or sectors, such as officials or banks, instead of a whole country's economy, in order to limit harm to ordinary citizens.
• Security CouncilThe UN organ with primary responsibility for international peace and security. It has 15 members and can take decisions, such as sanctions, that all UN member states must carry out.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• embargo · International Trade
• embargo · Journalism & Media

More terms: Sanctions & Economic Diplomacy

• asset freeze
• travel ban
• foreign aid
• secondary sanctions
• economic diplomacy