block (n.)

  1. a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides); the pyramids were built with large stone blocks'

  2. an obstruction in a pipe or tube; we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe

    [ Syn: blockage , closure , occlusion , stop , stoppage ]

  3. a platform from which an auctioneer sells; they put their paintings on the block

    [ Syn: auction block ]

  4. the act of obstructing or deflecting someones movements

    [ Syn: blocking ]

  5. a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings; he lives in the next block

    [ Syn: city block ]

  6. a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides

    [ Syn: cube ]

  7. 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'

  8. housing in a large building that is divided into separate units; there is a block of classrooms in the west wing'

  9. (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'

  10. 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 ]

  11. 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 ]

  12. 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 (v.)

  1. render unsuitable for passage; block the way; barricade the streets; stop the busy road

    [ Syn: barricade , blockade , stop , block off , block up , bar ]

  2. block passage through; obstruct the path

    [ Syn: obstruct , obturate , impede , occlude , jam , close up ]

  3. support, secure, or raise with a block; block a plate for printing; block the wheels of a car'

  4. impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); block an attack

    [ Syn: parry , deflect ]

  5. be unable to remember; Im drawing a blank; You are blocking the name of your first wife!

    [ Syn: forget , blank out , draw a blank ]

  6. shape by using a block; Block a hat; block a garment'

  7. shape into a block or blocks; block the graphs so one can see the results clearly'

  8. prohibit the conversion or use of (assets); Blocked funds; Freeze the assets of this hostile government

    [ Syn: freeze , freeze , immobilize , immobilize , immobilise , immobilise ]

  9. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of; His brother blocked him at every turn

    [ Syn: obstruct , blockade , hinder , stymie , stymy , embarrass ]

  10. stop from happening or developing; Block his election; Halt the process

    [ Syn: stop , halt , kibosh ]

  11. interfere with or prevent the reception of signals; Jam the Voice of America; block the signals emitted by this station

    [ Syn: jam ]

  12. run on a block system; block trains'

  13. interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia; block a nerve; block a muscle'

  14. 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 ]

  15. stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block; block the book cover'

  16. obstruct; My nose is all stuffed; Her arteries are blocked

    [ Syn: stuff , lug , choke up ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.