a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides); the pyramids were built with large stone blocks'
an obstruction in a pipe or tube; we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
a platform from which an auctioneer sells; they put their paintings on the block
[ Syn: auction block ]
the act of obstructing or deflecting someones movements
[ Syn: blocking ]
a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings; he lives in the next block
[ Syn: city block ]
a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
[ Syn: cube ]
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'
housing in a large building that is divided into separate units; there is a block of classrooms in the west wing'
(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'
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
[ Syn: mental block ]
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
[ Syn: pulley , pulley-block , pulley block ]
a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine; the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
[ Syn: engine block , cylinder block ]
block (n.)
render unsuitable for passage; block the way; barricade the streets; stop the busy road
[ Syn: barricade , blockade , stop , block off , block up , bar ]
block passage through; obstruct the path
[ Syn: obstruct , obturate , impede , occlude , jam , close up ]
support, secure, or raise with a block; block a plate for printing; block the wheels of a car'
impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); block an attack
be unable to remember; Im drawing a blank; You are blocking the name of your first wife!
[ Syn: forget , blank out , draw a blank ]
shape by using a block; Block a hat; block a garment'
shape into a block or blocks; block the graphs so one can see the results clearly'
prohibit the conversion or use of (assets); Blocked funds; Freeze the assets of this hostile government
[ Syn: freeze , freeze , immobilize , immobilize , immobilise , immobilise ]
hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of; His brother blocked him at every turn
[ Syn: obstruct , blockade , hinder , stymie , stymy , embarrass ]
stop from happening or developing; Block his election; Halt the process
interfere with or prevent the reception of signals; Jam the Voice of America; block the signals emitted by this station
[ Syn: jam ]
run on a block system; block trains'
interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia; block a nerve; block a muscle'
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
[ Syn: obstruct ]
stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block; block the book cover'
obstruct; My nose is all stuffed; Her arteries are blocked