blockade / block
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blockade
The deliberate blocking of a path, road, or access point in order to prevent traffic or the passage of people or goods.
Aktivisten errichteten eine Blockade vor der Zufahrt zum Kohlekraftwerk.
Activists set up a blockade in front of the entrance to the coal-fired power plant.
block
A psychological or mental inhibition that prevents a person from thinking, acting, or being creative.
Der Künstler leidet seit Wochen unter einer kreativen Blockade.
The artist has been suffering from a creative block for weeks.
blockade / obstruction
In politics or business, the prevention of decisions or processes, often by a party or group that refuses to give its consent.
Die Verhandlungen scheiterten an der Blockade eines einzelnen Mitgliedsstaates.
The negotiations failed because of the blockade by a single member state.
blockage
In medicine, a disruption or obstruction in a bodily system, for example in a nerve or joint.
Ein Physiotherapeut half ihm, die schmerzhafte Blockade im Nacken zu lösen.
A physiotherapist helped him release the painful blockage in his neck.
'Blockade' belongs to the word family of the verb 'blockieren' (to block). All meanings of 'Blockade' describe the result or state that arises from blocking something.
Die Demonstranten blockieren die Straße. Ihre Aktion ist eine Blockade.
The demonstrators are blocking the road. Their action is a blockade.
The meaning of 'Blockade' (blockade/blockage) becomes clear from the context. In traffic, it refers to a roadblock; in art, to a creative block; and in medicine, to a physical problem.
Wegen einer Blockade auf der Autobahn standen wir zwei Stunden im Stau.
Because of a blockade on the highway, we were stuck in traffic for two hours.
You can 'errichten' (set up) or 'aufbauen' (build up) a blockade. The opposite is to 'auflösen' (break up), 'aufheben' (lift), or 'überwinden' (overcome) a blockade.
Die Polizei versuchte, die Blockade der Demonstranten aufzulösen.
The police tried to break up the demonstrators' blockade.
In the psychological sense, people often say that they 'eine Blockade hat' (have a block) or 'unter einer Blockade leidet' (suffer from a block). The word is also often used in compounds such as 'Schreibblockade' (writer's block) or 'Denkblockade' (mental block).
Vor der Prüfung hatte ich eine totale Denkblockade und konnte mich an nichts erinnern.
Before the exam I had a total mental block and couldn't remember anything.
In a medical context, a blockage, for example in the back, is often 'gelöst' (released) by a doctor or physiotherapist.
Die Physiotherapeutin hat die Blockade in meiner Halswirbelsäule gelöst.
The physiotherapist released the blockage in my cervical spine.
relocation / installation / blockage
Both words can refer medically to a blocked passage in the body. „Die Verlegung“ is more descriptive, stating that something is obstructing the passage; „die Blockade“ refers to the medical disorder or obstruction as a finding. „Verlegung“ fits a general description, while „Blockade“ is often used for the named finding.
Eine Blockade der Atemwege durch Schleim erschwerte ihm das Atmen.
A blockage of the airways caused by mucus made it difficult for him to breathe.
Eine Verlegung der Atemwege durch Schleim erschwerte ihm das Atmen.
Mucus obstructing the airways made it difficult for him to breathe.
