block

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[ UK /blˈɒk/ ]
[ US /ˈbɫɑk/ ]

NOUN

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
the pyramids were built with large stone blocks
(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
a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
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 platform from which an auctioneer sells
they put their paintings on the block
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
a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings
he lives in the next block
an obstruction in a pipe or tube
we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
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

impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
block an attack
block passage through
obstruct the path
interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
block a muscle
block a nerve
interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
block the signals emitted by this station
Jam the Voice of America
support, secure, or raise with a block
block the wheels of a car
block a plate for printing
be unable to remember
You are blocking the name of your first wife!
I'm drawing a blank
prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
Blocked funds
Freeze the assets of this hostile government
obstruct
Her arteries are blocked
My nose is all stuffed
render unsuitable for passage
block the way
barricade the streets
stop the busy road
stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
block the book cover
shape into a block or blocks
block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
shape by using a block
block a garment
Block a hat
run on a block system
block trains
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
hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
His brother blocked him at every turn
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.
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.
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 Bedroom In The Sky is three-quarters windowed and the last window blocked off with a hardboard offcut insulated, floored, plasterboarded, plumbed and wired. April 1st, 2007

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