Definition Definition

Block - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Block' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Block [ n.]
- 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.
- 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.
- To shape on, or stamp with, a block; as, to block a hat.
2 . Block [ v. t.]
- 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.
- The solid piece of wood on which condemned persons lay their necks when they are beheaded.
- The wooden mold on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped.
- The pattern or shape of a hat.
- 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.
- A square, or portion of a city inclosed by streets, whether occupied by buildings or not.
- 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.
- The perch on which a bird of prey is kept.
- Any obstruction, or cause of obstruction; a stop; a hindrance; an obstacle; as, a block in the way.
- A piece of box or other wood for engravers' work.
- A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high.
- A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt.
- A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below.

Meaning of 'Block' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . block [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit
Example in sentence:
  • he held a large block of the company's stock;
  • he reserved a large block of seats
Meaning (2):
- a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings
Example in sentence:
  • he lives in the next block
Meaning (3):
- an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tension
Example in sentence:
  • I knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block
Meaning (4):
- (computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted
Example in sentence:
  • since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms `block' and `sector' are sometimes used interchangeably
Meaning (5):
- a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
Example in sentence:
  • the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
Meaning (6):
- a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
Example in sentence:
  • the pyramids were built with large stone blocks
Meaning (7):
- housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
Example in sentence:
  • there is a block of classrooms in the west wing
Meaning (8):
- a platform from which an auctioneer sells
Example in sentence:
  • they put their paintings on the block
Meaning (9):
- an obstruction in a pipe or tube
Example in sentence:
  • we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
10 . block [ v]
Meaning (10):
- render unsuitable for passage
Example in sentence:
  • barricade the streets;
  • block the way;
  • stop the busy road
Meaning (11):
- shape by using a block
Example in sentence:
  • block a garment;
  • Block a hat
Meaning (12):
- interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
Example in sentence:
  • block a muscle;
  • block a nerve
Meaning (13):
- support, secure, or raise with a block
Example in sentence:
  • block a plate for printing;
  • block the wheels of a car
Meaning (14):
- impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
Example in sentence:
  • block an attack
Meaning (15):
- stop from happening or developing
Example in sentence:
  • Block his election;
  • Halt the process
Meaning (16):
- stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
Example in sentence:
  • block the book cover
Meaning (17):
- shape into a block or blocks
Example in sentence:
  • block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
Meaning (18):
- interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
Example in sentence:
  • block the signals emitted by this station;
  • Jam the Voice of America
Meaning (19):
- run on a block system
Example in sentence:
  • block trains
Meaning (20):
- prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
Example in sentence:
  • Blocked funds;
  • Freeze the assets of this hostile government
Meaning (21):
- obstruct
Example in sentence:
  • Her arteries are blocked;
  • My nose is all stuffed
Meaning (22):
- hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
Example in sentence:
  • His brother blocked him at every turn
Meaning (23):
- be unable to remember
Example in sentence:
  • I'm drawing a blank;
  • You are blocking the name of your first wife!
Meaning (24):
- block passage through
Example in sentence:
  • obstruct the path
Meaning (25):
- shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight
Example in sentence:
  • The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage;
  • The trees obstruct my view of the mountains