Definition of blockades:
(n) :
The physical blocking or surrounding of a place, especially a port, in order to prevent commerce and traffic in or out.
(n) :
(by extension) Any form of formal isolation or inhibition of something, especially with the force of law or arms.
(n) :
(nautical) The ships or other forces used to effect a naval blockade.
(v) :
(transitive) To create a blockade against.
(n) :
(biology, medicine) Inhibition of the activity (function) of chemical messengers or their receptors, such as (often) receptor antagonism.
(n) :
(chess) The act of preventing an opponent's pawn moving by placing a piece in front of it.