blank out

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To obscure or remove text or information, typically by covering it: The action of deliberately making a section of text or an image unreadable or invisible, often for censorship, privacy, or security reasons.
    • To forget completely, to be unable to recall: The experience of one's memory failing to retrieve a specific piece of information, resulting in a temporary or complete absence of the memory.
Usage Examples
  • Verb (transitive):
    • The government document had the agents' names blanked out for security.
    • I tried to remember the answer during the test, but my mind blanked out completely.
    • She blanked out several paragraphs in the letter before showing it to anyone.
Advanced Usage
  • "to blank something out": This separable phrasal verb structure emphasizes the deliberate action of obscuring.
    • He used a marker to blank the sensitive details out.
  • The experience of forgetting is often used reflexively or intransitively.
    • My memory just blanks out when I'm nervous.
Variants and Related Words
  • Blank (verb): To ignore or dismiss someone; to become blank or empty.
    • He blanked me when I saw him on the street.
  • Blank (adjective/noun): Showing no expression, understanding, or information; an empty space.
    • She gave me a blank look. Please write your name in the blank.
Synonyms
  • Obliterate: To remove or destroy completely so as to leave no trace.
  • Redact: To edit text for publication, often to remove confidential information.
  • Forget: To fail to remember.
  • Draw a blank: To be unable to remember or find something.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Block out: To prevent something from being seen, heard, or remembered.
    • I try to block out the memory of that accident.
  • Cross out: To draw a line through something written to show it is wrong or deleted.
    • He crossed out the wrong answer.
Related Idioms
  • Draw a blank: To fail to get an answer or result; to be unable to remember.
    • I drew a blank when they asked me for his phone number.
  • Go blank: (Of the mind) to suddenly become empty of thought or memory.
    • My mind went blank as soon as I stood up to give the speech.
Verb
  1. cut out, as for political reasons
    • several line in the report were blanked out
  2. be unable to remember
    • I'm drawing a blank
    • You are blocking the name of your first wife!