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.
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
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
That’s where he learned how to block out all distractions and focus on his goal.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025
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
Richard was holding his head, a hand over each ear like he was trying to block out a noise.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
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.
