block out
Britishverb
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to plan or describe (something) in a general fashion
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to prevent the entry or consideration of (something)
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photog printing to mask part of (a negative), in order that light may not pass through it
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Especially not when their pregame preparation includes having to try to block out an international uproar.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
“The larger world, if it doesn’t directly impact the day-to-day,” she told me, “becomes chaff that you kind of block out because you’re so focused on trying to survive this crucible that you’re in.”
From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026
Users try to keep their voices low and often wear headphones to block out sound from their dictating neighbors, dialing down the annoyance factor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 2026
A blanket was placed over his head, which was described as "commonplace" at the nursery, to block out light from the windows and help children sleep.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
Finn had been trying so hard to block out everything the booming voice of his mother was saying behind him.
From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
