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.
It was important therefore to win, not only to defend their title, not only to block out the noise, but to enjoy it one more time.
From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026
Uniformed staff aren’t alone in trying to block out news.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026
Each doll comes with a pink fidget spinner to reduce stress and improve focus, and noise-cancelling headphones to block out background sounds and therefore limit sensory overload.
From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026
There’s a long, long way to go, and the Forrests are going to have to keep their doors and windows closed for months to block out construction noise and dust.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025
I slid down in my seat and tried to block out the argument.
From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia
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.
