block out
Britishverb
-
to plan or describe (something) in a general fashion
-
to prevent the entry or consideration of (something)
-
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.
All good fodder to see if I could really block out my mental chatter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 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
So when it comes to an actual rush round, they can kind of block out the noise and concentrate on being genuine.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026
“We can’t just block out one sector of your constituents,” Garcia told the board.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2026
Bobby closed his eyes to counter any further Talian shenanigans—he didn’t have to see his position, since it was imprinted in his mind—and tried to block out any other distractions.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
