<P> An embargo ( from the Spanish embargo , meaning hindrance , obstruction , etc. in a general sense , a trading ban in trade terminology and literally `` distraint '' in juridic parlance ) is the partial or complete prohibition of commerce and trade with a particular country or a group of countries . Embargoes are considered strong diplomatic measures imposed in an effort , by the imposing country , to elicit a given national - interest result from the country on which it is imposed . Embargoes are generally considered legal barriers to trade , not to be confused with blockades , which are often considered to be acts of war . </P>
<P> An embargo ( from the Spanish embargo , meaning hindrance , obstruction , etc. in a general sense , a trading ban in trade terminology and literally `` distraint '' in juridic parlance ) is the partial or complete prohibition of commerce and trade with a particular country or a group of countries . Embargoes are considered strong diplomatic measures imposed in an effort , by the imposing country , to elicit a given national - interest result from the country on which it is imposed . Embargoes are generally considered legal barriers to trade , not to be confused with blockades , which are often considered to be acts of war . </P>
a situation in which a country is closed to any international trade is referred to as
a situation in which a country is closed to any international trade is referred to as
embargo
embargo