blot out

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Explanation of "Blot Out"

Definition:
The phrase "blot out" means to completely cover or hide something so that it cannot be seen or understood. This can refer to physical objects or to ideas and feelings.

Usage Instructions:

1. Verb Form: "Blot out" is used as a verb phrase. You can use it in different tenses depending on the context.

   • Present: "I blot out"
   • Past: "I blotted out"
   • Future: "I will blot out"

2. Subject-Verb Agreement: Make sure to match the subject with the correct form of the verb.

   • Example: "He blots out the sun with a big umbrella."

Examples:

1. Physical Meaning: "The thick clouds blotted out the sun."

   • Here, it means that the clouds covered the sun so we couldn’t see it.

2. Emotional or Psychological Meaning: "She tried to blot out her painful memories."

   • In this case, it means she wanted to forget or hide the memories so they wouldn’t affect her.

Advanced Usage:

• "Blot out" can also refer to removing or censoring information. For example, "The government decided to blot out sensitive information from the report."
• It can imply a more figurative sense, such as when discussing negative emotions or thoughts.

Word Variants:

• Blotting (noun): The act of covering or hiding something. Example: "The blotting of the sun made the day feel darker."
• Blot (noun): A mark or stain. Example: "There was a blot of ink on the paper."

Different Meanings:

1. To Hide Completely: As in covering something up (physically or metaphorically).
2. To Erase: In a more abstract sense, like trying to erase a memory or feeling.

Synonyms:

• Cover
• Conceal
• Obscure
• Hide
• Erase
• Remove

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Blot something out" can be used similarly to say that you want to forget something or make it less significant in your life.
• There aren’t many specific idioms directly related to "blot out," but it can be used in expressions about memory and feelings.

Conclusion:

"Blot out" is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, whether you are talking about physical objects or emotional experiences.

Academic

Verb

1. make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing
   • a hidden message
   • a veiled threat

Synonyms

• obscure
• obliterate
• veil
• hide