block Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
    • the pyramids were built with large stone blocks
  2. noun a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings
    city block.
    • he lives in the next block
  3. noun a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
    cube.
  4. noun 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
  5. noun housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
    • there is a block of classrooms in the west wing
  6. noun (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
  7. noun an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tension
    mental block.
    • I knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block
  8. noun 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
    pulley; pulley block; pulley-block.
  9. noun a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
    cylinder block; engine block.
    • the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
  10. noun an obstruction in a pipe or tube
    closure; blockage; stoppage; occlusion; stop.
    • we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
  11. noun a platform from which an auctioneer sells
    auction block.
    • they put their paintings on the block
  12. noun the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
    blocking.
  13. verb render unsuitable for passage
    bar; block up; stop; blockade; barricade; block off.
    • block the way
    • barricade the streets
    • stop the busy road
  14. verb hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
    obstruct; hinder; stymie; blockade; embarrass; stymy.
    • His brother blocked him at every turn
  15. verb stop from happening or developing
    kibosh; stop; halt.
    • Block his election
    • Halt the process
  16. verb interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
    jam.
    • Jam the Voice of America
    • block the signals emitted by this station
  17. verb run on a block system
    • block trains
  18. verb interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
    • block a nerve
    • block a muscle
  19. verb shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight
    obstruct.
    • The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage
    • The trees obstruct my view of the mountains
  20. verb stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
    • block the book cover
  21. verb obstruct
    choke up; stuff; lug.
    • My nose is all stuffed
    • Her arteries are blocked
  22. verb block passage through
    obstruct; close up; obturate; jam; impede; occlude.
    • obstruct the path
  23. verb support, secure, or raise with a block
    • block a plate for printing
    • block the wheels of a car
  24. verb impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
    deflect; parry.
    • block an attack
  25. verb be unable to remember
    blank out; forget; draw a blank.
    • I'm drawing a blank
    • You are blocking the name of your first wife!
  26. verb shape by using a block
    • Block a hat
    • block a garment
  27. verb shape into a block or blocks
    • block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
  28. verb prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
    immobilize; immobilise; freeze.
    • Blocked funds
    • Freeze the assets of this hostile government

WordNet

Block noun
Etymology
OE. blok; cf. F. bloc (fr. OHG.), D. & Dan. blok, Sw. & G. block, OHG. bloch. There is also an OHG. bloch, biloh; bi by + the same root as that of E. lock. Cf. Block, v. t., Blockade, and see Lock.
Definitions
  1. A piece of wood more or less bulky; a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more plane, or approximately plane, faces; as, a block on which a butcher chops his meat; a block by which to mount a horse; children's playing blocks, etc.
    Now all our neighbors' chimneys smoke, And Christmas blocks are burning. Wither.
    All her labor was but as a block Left in the quarry. Tennyson.
  2. The solid piece of wood on which condemned persons lay their necks when they are beheaded.
    Noble heads which have been brought to the block. E. Everett.
  3. The wooden mold on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped. Hence: The pattern on shape of a hat.
    He wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat; it ever changes with the next block. Shak.
  4. A large or long building divided into separate houses or shops, or a number of houses or shops built in contact with each other so as to form one building; a row of houses or shops.
  5. A square, or portion of a city inclosed by streets, whether occupied by buildings or not.
    The new city was laid out in rectangular blocks, each block containing thirty building lots. Such an average block, comprising 282 houses and covering nine acres of ground, exists in Oxford Street. Lond. Quart. Rev.
  6. A grooved pulley or sheave incased in a frame or shell which is provided with a hook, eye, or strap, by which it may be attached to an object. It is used to change the direction of motion, as in raising a heavy object that can not be conveniently reached, and also, when two or more such sheaves are compounded, to change the rate of motion, or to exert increased force; -- used especially in the rigging of ships, and in tackles.
  7. (Falconry) The perch on which a bird of prey is kept.
  8. Any obstruction, or cause of obstruction; a stop; a hindrance; an obstacle; as, a block in the way.
  9. A piece of box or other wood for engravers' work.
  10. (Print.) A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high.
  11. A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt. Obs.
    What a block art thou ! Shak.
  12. A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below.
Block transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. bloquer, fr. bloc block. See Block, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Blocked present participle & verbal noun Blocking
Definitions
  1. To obstruct so as to prevent passage or progress; to prevent passage from, through, or into, by obstructing the way; -- used both of persons and things; -- often followed by up; as, to block up a road or harbor.
    With moles . . . would block the port. Rowe.
    A city . . . besieged and blocked about. Milton.
  2. To secure or support by means of blocks; to secure, as two boards at their angles of intersection, by pieces of wood glued to each.
  3. To shape on, or stamp with, a block; as, to block a hat.

Webster 1913