blockade

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The physical blocking or surrounding of a place, especially a port, in order to prevent commerce and traffic in or out.
2. 2
   Any form of formal isolation or inhibition of something, especially with the force of law or arms.
3. 3
   The ships or other forces used to effect a naval blockade.
4. 4
   Inhibition of the activity (function) of chemical messengers or their receptors, such as (often) receptor antagonism.
5. 5
   The act of preventing an opponent's pawn moving by placing a piece in front of it.
6. 6
   Synonym of prime.

Verb

1. 1
   To create a blockade against.