\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.

\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.