Embargo \Em*bar"go\, 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.

Note: 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Embargo \Em*bar"go\, 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)