blocking

American  

[blok-ing] / ˈblɒk ɪŋ /

noun

Carpentry.

1. a number of small pieces of wood for filling interstices, or for spacing, joining, or reinforcing members.

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blocking British  

/ ˈblɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. electronics the interruption of anode current in a valve because of the application of a high negative voltage to the grid

2. internal congestion in a communication system that prevents the transmission of information

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Other Word Forms

• nonblocking adjective

Etymology

Origin of blocking

First recorded in 1575–85; block + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

It is given to some cancer patients receiving treatments that kill cancer cells by blocking folate pathways.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also says people can take extra steps to secure their accounts, including by blocking unknown messages or calls.

From BBC

A stellar occultation occurs when an asteroid passes directly in front of a distant star, briefly blocking its light.

From Science Daily

According to a TikTok spokesperson, the company "take these sorts of situations very seriously, and responded by mobilising a dedicated risk response team, removing content, blocking search results, and communicating with the Metropolitan Police".

From BBC

But blocking the Strait of Hormuz is also costly for Iran, which relies on oil exports for its financing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• battle
• defiance
• fight
• intransigence
• protection
• refusal
• struggle
• support