What does an embargo signify in trade relations?

An embargo signifies a complete ban on trade between countries or specific products from a particular country. It is typically enacted by governments in response to political, economic, or security issues and is intended to exert pressure on the targeted nation. An embargo can restrict exports, imports, or both, effectively prohibiting the flow of goods and services entirely between the nations involved. This is a significant and often dramatic measure compared to other trade restrictions, such as tariffs, which only alter the cost of importing or exporting goods rather than outright banning them. The meanings of other options involve different degrees and types of trade restrictions or negotiations that do not correlate with the full prohibition that an embargo entails.