A
blockade is an effort to cut off
supplies,
war material or
communications from a particular area by force, either in part or totally. A blockade should not be confused with an
embargo or
sanctions, which are legal barriers to trade. It is also distinct from a
siege in that a blockade is usually directed at an entire country or region, rather than a fortress or city. While most blockades historically took place at sea, blockade is still used on land to prevent someone coming into a certain area.