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.
And in case you didn’t know, “duvateen” is the fabric they use on movie sets to completely block out the light.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026
Especially not when their pregame preparation includes having to try to block out an international uproar.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
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
He could see his reflection better than anything outside the train, so he pressed his hands against the glass to block out the light from inside the car.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
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.
