block meaning and definition

BLOCK noun

Definition of block (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"
   • synonyms: city block
3. a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
   • synonyms: cube
4. 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"
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"
   • synonyms: mental 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
   • synonyms: pulley, pulley block, pulley-block
9. a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
   • "the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked"
   • synonyms: cylinder block, engine block
10. an obstruction in a pipe or tube
    • "we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe"
    • synonyms: blockage, closure, occlusion, stop, stoppage
11. a platform from which an auctioneer sells
    • "they put their paintings on the block"
    • synonyms: auction block
12. the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
    • synonyms: blocking

BLOCK verb

Definition of block (verb)

1. render unsuitable for passage
   • "block the way"; "barricade the streets"; "stop the busy road"
   • synonyms: bar, barricade, block off, block up, blockade, stop
2. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
   • "His brother blocked him at every turn"
   • synonyms: blockade, embarrass, hinder, obstruct, stymie, stymy
3. stop from happening or developing
   • "Block his election"; "Halt the process"
   • synonyms: halt, kibosh, stop
4. interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
   • "Jam the Voice of America"; "block the signals emitted by this station"
   • synonyms: jam
5. run on a block system
   • "block trains"
6. interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
   • "block a nerve"; "block a muscle"
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"; "The trees obstruct my view of the mountains"
   • synonyms: obstruct
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"; "Her arteries are blocked"
   • synonyms: choke up, lug, stuff
   • antonym: loosen up
10. block passage through
    • "obstruct the path"
    • synonyms: close up, impede, jam, obstruct, obturate, occlude
    • antonym: disengage
11. support, secure, or raise with a block
    • "block a plate for printing"; "block the wheels of a car"
12. impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
    • "block an attack"
    • synonyms: deflect, parry
13. be unable to remember
    • "I'm drawing a blank"; "You are blocking the name of your first wife!"
    • synonyms: blank out, draw a blank, forget
    • antonym: call back
14. shape by using a block
    • "Block a hat"; "block a garment"
15. shape into a block or blocks
    • "block the graphs so one can see the results clearly"
16. prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
    • "Blocked funds"; "Freeze the assets of this hostile government"
    • synonyms: freeze, immobilise, immobilize
    • antonym: free