noun

interdiction

in-ter-DIK-shun/ˌɪntərˈdɪkʃn/

The interception of people or goods to prevent their movement.

The Coast Guard conducts drug interdiction patrols along the coast.

Interdiction: coastguard patrol boat positioned across a small boat's path with officer making clear halt gesture; calm water, nonviolent official stopping of movement.

Etymology

interLatinbetween

+dictLatinto speak or say

+ionLatinact or process

Interposing by speech became forbidding by authority; the noun names that act of prohibition. In English, interdiction broadened from a Church ban to authoritative restrictions more generally.

In context

Town Meeting TV237:12

it could be DUI enforcement it could be drug interdiction it could be just patrolling for people out lurking in the shadows

Burlington City Council - 10/10/2023

More examples

Interdiction of weapons shipments slows the rebels' advance.
The agency uses radar to support interdiction at sea.
Border teams coordinate the interdiction of smugglers crossing the desert.

Forms

interdiction · interdictions

interdict verb — To stop or obstruct passage or movement.

Similar words

interception: Emphasizes catching people or goods while they are moving.
blockade: Blocks access to an entire area rather than individual movements.