Words / C1

im-BAHG-oh/ɪmˈbɑːɡəʊ/

An embargo is an official ban on trade with a country, or on publishing news until a set time: a trade embargo, a press embargo. A ban is everyday; a leak sits opposite; a lobby preview is still early. Midnight is the clock, not ten.

Meaning

An official ban on trade with a place, or on publishing information before a set time.

Examples

• “The embargo lifts at midnight; a lobby briefing at ten is still a leak.”
• “Ban is everyday. Boycott is unofficial refusal. A press hold is the news sense. Ten o’clock is early. The notice names a time. Wait; then brief once.”

Good to know

A ban on trade or on early publication. Everyday: ban. News: a press hold. A lobby preview before the hour is a leak.

Near in meaning

ban

New