Meaning & Definition of Block in English

1. A solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

• "The pyramids were built with large stone blocks"

2. A rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings

• "He lives in the next block"

3. A three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides

4. A number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit

• "He reserved a large block of seats"

• "He held a large block of the company's stock"

5. Housing in a large building that is divided into separate units

• "There is a block of classrooms in the west wing"

6. (computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted

• "Since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms `block' and `sector' are sometimes used interchangeably"

7. An inability to remember or think of something you normally can do

• Often caused by emotional tension

• "I knew his name perfectly well but i had a temporary block"

8. A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope

9. A metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine

• "The engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked"

10. An obstruction in a pipe or tube

• "We had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe"

11. A platform from which an auctioneer sells

• "They put their paintings on the block"

12. The act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements

1. Render unsuitable for passage

• "Block the way"

• "Barricade the streets"

• "Stop the busy road"

2. Hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of

• "His brother blocked him at every turn"

3. Stop from happening or developing

• "Block his election"

• "Halt the process"

4. Interfere with or prevent the reception of signals

• "Jam the voice of america"

• "Block the signals emitted by this station"

5. Run on a block system

• "Block trains"

6. Interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia

• "Block a nerve"

• "Block a muscle"

7. Shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight

• "The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage"

• "The trees obstruct my view of the mountains"

8. Stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block

• "Block the book cover"

9. Obstruct

• "My nose is all stuffed"

• "Her arteries are blocked"

10. Block passage through

• "Obstruct the path"

11. Support, secure, or raise with a block

• "Block a plate for printing"

• "Block the wheels of a car"

12. Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

• "Block an attack"

13. Be unable to remember

• "I'm drawing a blank"

• "You are blocking the name of your first wife!"

14. Shape by using a block

• "Block a hat"

• "Block a garment"

15. Shape into a block or blocks

• "Block the graphs so one can see the results clearly"

16. Prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)

• "Blocked funds"

• "Freeze the assets of this hostile government"