block

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

• “the pyramids were built with large stone blocks”

a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings

• “he lives in the next block”

a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides

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”

housing in a large building that is divided into separate units

• “there is a block of classrooms in the west wing”

(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”
• “and”
• “are sometimes used interchangeably”

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”

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

a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine

• “the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked”

an obstruction in a pipe or tube

• “we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe”

a platform from which an auctioneer sells

• “they put their paintings on the block”

(American football) the act of obstructing someone''s path with your body

• “he threw a rolling block into the line backer”

render unsuitable for passage

• “block the way”
• “barricade the streets”
• “stop the busy road”

hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of

• “His brother blocked him at every turn”

stop from happening or developing

• “Block his election”
• “Halt the process”

interfere with or prevent the reception of signals

• “Jam the Voice of America”
• “block the signals emitted by this station”

run on a block system

• “block trains”

interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia

• “block a nerve”
• “block a muscle”

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”

stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block

• “block the book cover”

obstruct

• “My nose is all stuffed”
• “Her arteries are blocked”

block passage through

• “obstruct the path”

support, secure, or raise with a block

• “block a plate for printing”
• “block the wheels of a car”

impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

• “block an attack”

be unable to remember

• “I”
• “;”

shape by using a block

• “Block a hat”
• “block a garment”

shape into a block or blocks

• “block the graphs so one can see the results clearly”

prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)

• “Blocked funds”
• “Freeze the assets of this hostile government”