blocking

American  

[blok-ing] / ˈblɒk ɪŋ /

noun

Carpentry.

1. a number of small pieces of wood for filling interstices, or for spacing, joining, or reinforcing members.

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blocking British  

/ ˈblɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. electronics the interruption of anode current in a valve because of the application of a high negative voltage to the grid

2. internal congestion in a communication system that prevents the transmission of information

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Other Word Forms

• nonblocking adjective

Etymology

Origin of blocking

First recorded in 1575–85; block + -ing ¹

Explanation

When you obstruct someone from seeing or doing something, that's blocking. In most sports, blocking your opponent is a huge part of playing the game. Blocking the player who's trying to make a basket is one kind of blocking. There's also blocking a street for the neighborhood block party, or blocking your ex-friend on social media. In each case, you're cutting off access in some way. In theater, the word takes on a different meaning, "the staging of actors." This use stems from the 19th-century theater, when directors would frequently use wooden blocks to plan out the actors' positions on a miniature stage.

Example Sentences

Oil prices have risen 70% this year due to the Iran War blocking 20% of global supply, while U.S. fuel demand remains strong.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Their research shows that blocking a protein known as PTP1B can improve learning and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

A good pair of shades are a must for them—from blocking out the sun on a beach in Ibiza to flashing lights in a Berlin basement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Guards could be seen blocking the doorway to one building on Monday afternoon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

A crude log fence was half blocking the left fork.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• battle
• defiance
• fight
• intransigence
• protection
• refusal
• struggle
• support