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!