Blackout

/ˈblækaʊt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A period during which the lights are turned off or a temporary loss of electrical power.

The city experienced a blackout due to a severe storm.

A complete or near-complete suppression of information or the media coverage of an event.

The government imposed a blackout on news about the military operation.

A loss of consciousness or memory, especially for a short period.

He suffered a blackout after drinking too much at the party.

verb

To extinguish the lights or turn off electrical power.

The crew decided to blackout the stadium for the fireworks show.

To suppress or censor information from being disseminated.

The organization chose to blackout reports about the scandal.

The term 'blackout' originates from the early 20th century, combining 'black' meaning absence of light and 'out' indicating a lack of visibility.

blackout period

A time when power or service is completely disabled.

total blackout

A situation where no light is visible, usually from all sources.

blackout drunk

Referring to a state of heavy intoxication where the person does not remember events.

faint

A sudden loss of consciousness.

dim-out

A gradual decrease of lights, often for security reasons.

power outage

A period when the electricity supply is interrupted.

Blackout drunk

He got so wasted last night he was blackout drunk and didn’t remember anything.

Blacking out

She was drinking heavily and ended up blacking out at the party.