\Block*ade"\, n. [Cf. It. bloccata. See {Block}, v. t.
]
1. The shutting up of a place by troops or ships, with the
   purpose of preventing ingress or egress, or the reception
   of supplies; as, the blockade of the ports of an enemy.
Note: Blockade is now usually applied to an investment with
      ships or vessels, while siege is used of an investment
      by land forces. To constitute a blockade, the investing
      power must be able to apply its force to every point of
      practicable access, so as to render it dangerous to
      attempt to enter; and there is no blockade of that port
      where its force can not be brought to bear. --Kent.
2. An obstruction to passage.
{To raise a blockade}. See under {Raise}.

\Block*ade"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Blockaded}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Blockading}.]
1. To shut up, as a town or fortress, by investing it with
   troops or vessels or war for the purpose of preventing
   ingress or egress, or the introduction of supplies. See
   note under {Blockade}, n. ``Blockaded the place by sea.''
   --Gilpin.
2. Hence, to shut in so as to prevent egress.
         Till storm and driving ice blockade him there.
                                               --Wordsworth.
3. To obstruct entrance to or egress from.
         Huge bales of British cloth blockade the door.
                                               --Pope.