block out

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block out

We used a large umbrella to block out the strong sun at the beach.

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To shield from light; to prevent light from entering or passing through. This meaning involves creating a physical barrier against light.
    • To plan or sketch the main features of something without detail. This meaning involves creating a rough outline or preliminary plan.
    • To prevent something from being perceived or entering one's mind. This is a psychological meaning, referring to the act of suppressing memories, thoughts, or external stimuli.
Examples of Usage
  • Verb (Shield from light):
    • The thick curtains block out all the sunlight, making the room very dark.
    • You should wear sunglasses to block out the harmful UV rays.
  • Verb (Plan or sketch roughly):
    • Let's block out the schedule for the conference before we fill in the specific speakers.
    • The architect blocked out the basic shape of the building on paper.
  • Verb (Prevent from entering the mind):
    • She tried to block out the noise from the construction site so she could concentrate.
    • He has blocked out most of his childhood memories.
Advanced Usage
  • "to block someone/something out": This phrasal verb structure is very common, especially for the psychological meaning. The object (the thing being blocked) comes between "block" and "out."
    • You need to block all distractions out and focus on your work.
Variants and Related Words
  • Blockage (n): An obstruction.
  • Blocker (n): Something that blocks (e.g., a sun blocker).
  • Mental block (n): An inability to remember or think of something.
Synonyms
  • Shut out: To exclude or prevent from entering. (e.g., ).
  • Screen: To protect or conceal from something. (e.g., ).
  • Outline: To summarize the main points or features. (e.g., ).
  • Suppress: To prevent the development or expression of a feeling, memory, etc.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Block off: To close or obstruct an entrance, road, or area.
    • The police blocked off the street after the accident.
  • Block up: To fill or obstruct a hole, passage, etc., so that nothing can pass through.
    • Leaves blocked up the drain.
Related Idioms
  • To have a mental block: To be temporarily unable to remember something or to think clearly.
    • I have a mental block and can't remember his name.
block out

We used a large umbrella to block out the strong sun at the beach.

Verb
  1. indicate roughly
    • We sketched out our plan
  2. shield from light
  3. prevent from entering
    • block out the strong sunlight
  4. plan where and when songs should be inserted into a theatrical production, or plan a theatrical production in general

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