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block

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[ UK /blˈɒk/ ]
[ US /ˈbɫɑk/ ]
NOUN
  1. a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
    the pyramids were built with large stone blocks
  2. (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
  3. a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
    the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
  4. 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
  5. a platform from which an auctioneer sells
    they put their paintings on the block
  6. 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
  7. housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
    there is a block of classrooms in the west wing
  8. a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings
    he lives in the next block
  9. an obstruction in a pipe or tube
    we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
  10. a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
  11. the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
  12. 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
VERB
  1. impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
    block an attack
  2. block passage through
    obstruct the path
  3. interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
    block a muscle
    block a nerve
  4. interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
    block the signals emitted by this station
    Jam the Voice of America
  5. support, secure, or raise with a block
    block the wheels of a car
    block a plate for printing
  6. be unable to remember
    You are blocking the name of your first wife!
    I'm drawing a blank
  7. prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
    Blocked funds
    Freeze the assets of this hostile government
  8. obstruct
    Her arteries are blocked
    My nose is all stuffed
  9. render unsuitable for passage
    block the way
    barricade the streets
    stop the busy road
  10. stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
    block the book cover
  11. shape into a block or blocks
    block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
  12. shape by using a block
    block a garment
    Block a hat
  13. run on a block system
    block trains
  14. shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight
    The trees obstruct my view of the mountains
    The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage
  15. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
    His brother blocked him at every turn
  16. stop from happening or developing
    Halt the process
    Block his election
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How To Use block In A Sentence

  • Sewage overflowed into wash basins at West Middlesex Hospital following a blockage in one of the toilets.
  • Which drugs become blockbusters is in many respects a lottery. Times, Sunday Times
  • A couple of commendable but slight folk covers albums in the early Nineties lead to assertions of writer's block. The Sun
  • Scanlon -- you know, the red-headed cop only a couple of blocks away an 'pipin' us off though not recognizin 'us. CHAPTER XI
  • Chile's top constitutional court blocked a government bid to promote the free distribution of the morning-after pill to minors aged 14 and over, dealing a new setback to President Michelle Bachelet.
  • So, she ran round and round the scaffold with the executioner striking at her, and her grey hair bedabbled with blood; and even when they held her down upon the block she moved her head about to the last, resolved to be no party to her own barbarous murder. A Child's History of England
  • The lower blocks are in concrete clad in gabions filled with site granite; roofs are planted with indigenous flora.
  • The building is dark brick topped by pinky-coloured concrete block walls, white plastic-looking fascia board, black plastic guttering and an artificial slate roof.
  • Meanwhile, Mr. Christie is taking the same tact in what he described as a "passionate" relationship with Mr. Sweeney, who has the power to single-handedly block bills. Christie, Sweeney in Standoff Over Funds
  • Rocks block the highway in various places and mudflows cover what were once rose farms along the road's edge.
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