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

09noun

a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine

“the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked”

10noun

an obstruction in a pipe or tube

“we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe”

11noun

a platform from which an auctioneer sells

“they put their paintings on the block”

12noun

the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements

13verb

render unsuitable for passage

“block the way”

“barricade the streets”

14verb

hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of

“His brother blocked him at every turn”

15verb

stop from happening or developing

“Block his election”

“Halt the process”

16verb

interfere with or prevent the reception of signals

“Jam the Voice of America”

“block the signals emitted by this station”

17verb

run on a block system

“block trains”

18verb

interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia

“block a nerve”

“block a muscle”

19verb

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”

20verb

stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block

“block the book cover”

21verb

obstruct

“My nose is all stuffed”

“Her arteries are blocked”

22verb

block passage through

“obstruct the path”

23verb

support, secure, or raise with a block

“block a plate for printing”

“block the wheels of a car”

24verb

impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

“block an attack”

25verb

be unable to remember

“I'm drawing a blank”

“You are blocking the name of your first wife!”

26verb

shape by using a block

“Block a hat”

“block a garment”

27verb

shape into a block or blocks

“block the graphs so one can see the results clearly”

28verb

prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)

“Blocked funds”

“Freeze the assets of this hostile government”

Meanings and examples from Open English WordNet 2025. About our sources ↗

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Expressions with “block”

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