Blockade

BLOCKA'DE, n. The siege of a place,formed by surrounding it with hostile troops or ships, or by posting them at all the avenues, to prevent escape,and hinder supplies of provisions and ammunition from entering, with a view to compel a surrender,by 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 cannot be brought to bear.
BLOCKA'DE, v.t. To shut up a town or fortress, by posting troops at all the avenues, to compel the garrison or inhabitants to surrender by means of hunger and want, without regular attacks; also,to station ships of war to obstruct all intercourse with a town or nation.

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