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blocus

blockade

noun bloh-KUS Rare
People & Society Military

Usage Note

blocus ends in a written 's' that is always pronounced, making it one of the exceptions to the French rule of silent final consonants. It typically describes a military or naval blockade — lever le blocus means 'to lift the blockade'. The economic term blocus continental refers to Napoleon's embargo on British trade.

Examples

"Le blocus dura plusieurs mois."

Natural Translation

The blockade lasted several months.

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