Blockade

n. [Fr. blocus, It. bloccata and bloccatura, Sp. & Pg. bloqueo. See BLOCK.] The shutting up of a place by troops or ships, so as to prevent ingress or egress, or the reception of supplies, with a view to compel a surrender from hunger and want, without regular attacks. “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.

To raise a blockade. See RAISE.