Embargo

A proclamation, or order of state, usually issued in time of war or threatened hostilities, prohibiting the departure of ships or goods from some or all the ports of such state, until further order.

2 Wheat. (U. S.) 148.

It is in its nature and policy a temporary measure.

5 Johns. (N. Y.) 308.

It is sometimes on the citizens of the power ordering it; sometimes on a foreign power as a means of coercing a settlement of difficulties that have not yet culminated in war, or of preparation for impending war. The former is called "civil," the latter "hostile," embargo.