WordGarden.ioblock
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /blˈɒk/
US
- /ˈblɑk/
Meanings
Verb
to stop someone or something from moving forward, passing, or getting through
to stop a user or account from contacting you or accessing something online
Noun
a solid piece or rectangular unit of material or substance
a barrier or obstruction that prevents movement or access
a section of a town or city enclosed by streets
More meaningsFewer meanings
an act of stopping an opponent's shot or hit in a game
Beyond the definition
A block can be something that stops you—like writer's block halting your creativity, or a roadblock on the highway. But it's also a solid chunk of material or construction. Think building blocks for kids, or a city block with buildings framed by surrounding streets. You might even "block" someone on social media to stop them from contacting you.
The word has a wide variety of uses! A detective might "block" a suspect's escape route, while a carpenter might use a wooden block as a support. It can describe being congested too, like your nose when you have a cold. It can even refer to mechanical systems, such as the "block and tackle" pulley assembly used on ships to lift heavy loads.
The word "block" is surprisingly versatile. At its core, it refers to something that obstructs or prevents movement or progress. Imagine a physical barrier—a large stone blocking a path, or a fallen tree blocking the road. You can also block someone's metaphorical progress: "The senator blocked the vote on the bill."
But "block" isn't just about physical obstacles. It can describe mental hurdles too—that frustrating feeling when you have writer's block, unable to get your thoughts onto paper. Or perhaps a memory is blocked from your mind, inaccessible and hidden.
Beyond obstruction, "block" refers to a solid, often rectangular piece of material. Think building blocks for children, or a city block, defined by the streets that surround it. A "block heel" on a shoe is a short, sturdy heel shape. You can even carve art from a single block of wood or stone!
As a verb, "to block" means to obstruct, prevent, or impede. In modern usage, it has also become a standard term for restricting someone's access online—to block them on social media.
So, whether you're facing an obstacle, building with shapes, or managing your online connections, "block" is a word that speaks to both physical and metaphorical barriers—and the solid things that make up our world.
Examples
- 1
Toys
The kids built a tower out of wooden blocks.
- 2
City distance
Our hotel is only two blocks from the beach.
- 3
Food amount
He cut a small block of cheese for the sandwiches.
- 4
Physical obstacle
A fallen branch was blocking the path.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Light
Tall buildings can block the sun in the afternoon.
- 6
Prevention
The injury blocked her from returning to work.
- Patternblock someone from doing X
prevent them from doing it
- 7
Politics
Opposition leaders tried to block the bill.
- 8
Curtains
Thick curtains block out most of the morning light.
- Patternblock out + light/sound
stop it from coming in
- 9
Thinking problem
I had a mental block and forgot the answer.
- Phrasemental block
a temporary problem thinking clearly
- 10
Digital messages
She blocked his number after the breakup.
- Phraseblock someone's number
stop their calls or messages from reaching you
- 11
School internet
That website is blocked on school computers.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- blocknounverb
Forms
- blockspluralnounverb
- blockedpast tenseverbnoun
- blocking-ing formverbnoun