A naval blockade refers to using naval forces (ships) to surround an area or restrict access to it by sea. It is often employed as a military tactic to prevent supplies or reinforcements from reaching an enemy.
Related terms
Embargo: A government-imposed restriction on trade with another country or specific goods/services.
Arms race: A competition between nations to develop and acquire superior military capabilities, particularly in terms of weapons and technology.
Containment: A policy adopted by the United States during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism by containing it within its current borders.