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block

/blˈɑk/ · 1 syllable

Meaning

noun

  1. a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
    “the pyramids were built with large stone blocks”
  2. a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings
    “he lives in the next block”
  3. a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
  4. a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit
    “he reserved a large block of seats”
  5. housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
    “there is a block of classrooms in the west wing”
  6. (computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted
    “since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms `block' and `sector' are sometimes used interchangeably”
  7. an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tension
    “I knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block”
  8. a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope
  9. a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
    “the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked”
  10. an obstruction in a pipe or tube
    “we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe”
  11. a platform from which an auctioneer sells
    “they put their paintings on the block”
  12. the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements

verb

  1. render unsuitable for passage
    “block the way”
  2. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
    “His brother blocked him at every turn”
  3. stop from happening or developing
    “Block his election”
  4. interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
    “Jam the Voice of America”
  5. run on a block system
    “block trains”
  6. interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
    “block a nerve”
  7. shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight
    “The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage”
  8. stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
    “block the book cover”
  9. obstruct
    “My nose is all stuffed”
  10. block passage through
    “obstruct the path”
  11. support, secure, or raise with a block
    “block a plate for printing”
  12. impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
    “block an attack”

Synonyms for block

Antonyms of block

Words that rhyme with block

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