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

Example Sentences

This game began, appropriately enough, with Angela Dugalic blocking Aston Judd’s shot and then glaring at her as the Longhorn lay in a heap.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Suddenly the idea of blocking out the sun with space mirrors doesn’t sound so bad, does it?

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Iran has been blocking foreign tankers from the channel, only allowing select ships to pass through, including some from Malaysia and India.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

For example, follistatin effectively releases the hand brake on muscle development by blocking myostatin, the protein that normally keeps it in check.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

I scent the air again, trying to clear my snout of the smoke, of the flakes of ash I can feel blocking my senses.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

Related Words

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