What does the term 'embargo' refer to?

The term 'embargo' specifically refers to an official ban or restriction placed on trade, typically related to buying or selling goods between countries. This action can be imposed for various reasons, such as political disagreements, economic sanctions, or efforts to influence the behavior of a nation. An embargo can significantly impact the economy of the targeted country and can also affect international relations.

In the context of the other choices, economic growth, trading agreements, and methods of communication do not accurately represent the term 'embargo.' Economic growth is a broader concept related to the increase in the production and consumption of goods and services. A new trading agreement usually implies the establishment of favorable terms for trade, which is the opposite of what an embargo entails. A method of international communication involves the exchange of information between nations, which does not align with the restrictive nature of an embargo.