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.
“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
For the best chance of seeing Iberian lynx in the wild, it’s best to block out three or four days.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 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
“We can’t just block out one sector of your constituents,” Garcia told the board.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2026
“I don’t like it. We can’t dig that block out without some noise, you know.”
From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien
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.
