block

Meanings

• a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
  • "the pyramids were built with large stone blocks"
• a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings
  • "he lives in the next block"
• a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
• a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit
  • "he reserved a large block of seats"
  • "he held a large block of the company's stock"
• housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
  • "there is a block of classrooms in the west wing"
• (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"
• 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"
• 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
• a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
  • "the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked"
• an obstruction in a pipe or tube
  • "we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe"
• a platform from which an auctioneer sells
  • "they put their paintings on the block"
• the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
• render unsuitable for passage
  • "block the way"
• hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
  • "His brother blocked him at every turn"
• stop from happening or developing
  • "Block his election"
• interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
  • "block the signals emitted by this station"
• run on a block system
  • "block trains"
• interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
  • "block a nerve"
  • "block a muscle"
• shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight
  • "The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage"
• stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
  • "block the book cover"
• obstruct
  • "Her arteries are blocked"
• block passage through
• support, secure, or raise with a block
  • "block a plate for printing"
  • "block the wheels of a car"
• impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
  • "block an attack"
• be unable to remember
  • "You are blocking the name of your first wife!"
• shape by using a block
  • "Block a hat"
  • "block a garment"
• shape into a block or blocks
  • "block the graphs so one can see the results clearly"
• prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
  • "Blocked funds"

Synonyms

auction block, bar, barricade, blank out, block off, block up, blockade, blockage, blocking, choke up, city block, close up, closure, cube, cylinder block, deflect, draw a blank, embarrass, engine block, forget, freeze, halt, hinder, immobilise, immobilize, impede, jam, kibosh, lug, mental block, obstruct, obturate, occlude, occlusion, parry, pulley, pulley block, pulley-block, stop, stoppage, stuff, stymie, stymy