blocker

American  

[blok-er] / ˈblɒk ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that blocks.

2. Football. a player whose assignment or special skill is blocking. block.

3. Biochemistry. a substance that inhibits the physiological action of another substance, as the beta blocker propranolol that interferes with neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system.

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blocker British  

/ ˈblɒkə /

noun

1. a person or thing that acts as a block

2. physiol an agent that blocks a physiological function, such as the transport of an ion across an ion channel

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Etymology

Origin of blocker

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; block, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Puberty blockers - which suppress the hormones that cause puberty - are often prescribed to children questioning their gender as a way of stopping physical changes such as breast development or facial hair.

From BBC

When I was 17, I went with my stepmother to see that nurse practitioner, who prescribed testosterone and estrogen blockers 30 minutes later.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her review also found there was not "good evidence" that puberty blockers, which pause the physical changes of puberty, were safe or effective.

From BBC

It might — though there’s a major potential blocker I’ll get to in a moment.

From MarketWatch

While Seattle’s defense doesn’t scare New England — the Patriots prevailed against the solid Chargers and elite Houston and Denver defenses — the Seahawks likely will give Drake Maye’s blockers problems.

From Los Angeles Times