em·bar \ə̇m, em+\transitive verb Etymology: Middle English enbarren, from Middle French embarrer, from em- en- (I) + barre bar : to stop, check, or hinder by or as if by enclosing with bars: as a.obsolete: to interrupt or impede (as commerce) by an embargo b.archaic: enclose, imprison c.obsolete: to put a stop to by legal means : bar < embar a claim >