block

Noun

• the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements

• a platform from which an auctioneer sells
  • they put their paintings on the block
    

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

• a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
  • the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
    

• 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

• 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
    

• (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
    

• housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
  • there is a block of classrooms in the west wing
    

• 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
    

• a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides

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

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

Verb

• prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
  • Blocked funds
    
  • Freeze the assets of this hostile government
    

• shape into a block or blocks
  • block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
    

• shape by using a block
  • Block a hat
    
  • block a garment
    

• be unable to remember
  • I'm drawing a blank
    
  • You are blocking the name of your first wife!
    

• impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
  • block an attack
    

• support, secure, or raise with a block
  • block a plate for printing
    
  • block the wheels of a car
    

• block passage through
  • obstruct the path
    

• obstruct
  • My nose is all stuffed
    
  • Her arteries are blocked
    

• stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
  • block the book cover
    

• 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
    

• interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
  • block a nerve
    
  • block a muscle
    

• run on a block system
  • block trains
    

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

• stop from happening or developing
  • Block his election
    
  • Halt the process
    

• hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
  • His brother blocked him at every turn
    

• render unsuitable for passage
  • block the way
    
  • barricade the streets
    
  • stop the busy road
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  blocking , auction block , blockage , closure , occlusion , stop , stoppage , engine block , cylinder block , pulley , pulley-block , pulley block , mental block , cube , city block , freeze , immobilize , immobilise , forget , blank out , draw a blank , parry , deflect , obstruct , obturate , impede , occ
• Antonyms: 
  unblock , unfreeze , free , release , remember , retrieve , recall , call back , call up , recollect , think , disengage , unstuff , loosen up