noun
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a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)the pyramids were built with large stone blocks
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a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildingshe lives in the next block
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a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides (syn: cube)-
a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unithe reserved a large block of seats
he held a large block of the company's stock
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housing in a large building that is divided into separate unitsthere is a block of classrooms in the west wing
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(computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permittedsince blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms 'block' and 'sector' are sometimes used interchangeably
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an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tensionI knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block
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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 (syn: pulley)-
a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an enginethe engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
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an obstruction in a pipe or tube (syn: blockage, closure, occlusion, stop, stoppage)we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
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a platform from which an auctioneer sellsthey put their paintings on the block
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the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements (syn: blocking)verb
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render unsuitable for passage (syn: bar, barricade, blockade, stop)block the way
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hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of (syn: blockade, embarrass, hinder, obstruct, stymie, stymy)His brother blocked him at every turn
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stop from happening or developing (syn: halt, kibosh, stop)-
interfere with or prevent the reception of signals (syn: jam)block the signals emitted by this station
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run on a block systemblock trains
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interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesiablock a nerve
block a muscle
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shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight (syn: obstruct)The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage
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stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a blockblock the book cover
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obstruct (syn: choke up, lug, stuff)Her arteries are blocked
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block passage through (syn: close up, impede, jam, obstruct, obturate, occlude)-
support, secure, or raise with a blockblock a plate for printing
block the wheels of a car
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impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball) (syn: deflect, parry)block an attack
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be unable to remember (syn: forget)You are blocking the name of your first wife!
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shape by using a blockblock a garment
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shape into a block or blocksblock the graphs so one can see the results clearly
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prohibit the conversion or use of (assets) (syn: freeze, immobilize)Extra examples
We took a walk around the block.
She lived on our block.
The store is three blocks down on the right.
Our hotel is a block from the ocean.
There's an accident blocking the road.
The entrance was blocked by a gate.
Blood clots have completely blocked one of his arteries.
The protesters blocked the road with parked vehicles.
The ambulance was blocked by cars in the road.
An accident was blocking traffic.
Could you move to the left, please. You're blocking my light.
Several senators are trying to block the passage of the bill.
His vote blocked the treaty.
The building occupies an entire city block.
They went around the block.
Word forms
verb
I/you/we/they: block
he/she/it: blocks
present participle: blocking
past tense: blocked
past participle: blocked
noun
singular: block
plural: blocks
