block

(noun) a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides). Example: "The pyramids were built with large stone blocks."

(noun) a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings. Synonyms: city block. Example: "He lives in the next block."

(noun) a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides. Synonyms: cube.

(noun) a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit. Examples: "He reserved a large block of seats." "He held a large block of the company's stock."

(noun) housing in a large building that is divided into separate units. Example: "There is a block of classrooms in the west wing."

(noun) (computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted. Example: "Since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms `block' and `sector' are sometimes used interchangeably."

(noun) an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tension. Synonyms: mental block. Example: "I knew his name perfectly well but i had a temporary block."

(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. Synonyms: pulley, pulley-block, pulley block.

(noun) a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine. Synonyms: engine block, cylinder block. Example: "The engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked."

(noun) an obstruction in a pipe or tube. Synonyms: blockage, closure, occlusion, stop, stoppage. Example: "We had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe."

(noun) a platform from which an auctioneer sells. Synonyms: auction block. Example: "They put their paintings on the block."

(noun) the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements. Synonyms: blocking.

(verb) render unsuitable for passage. Synonyms: barricade, blockade, stop, block off, block up, bar. Examples: "Block the way." "Barricade the streets." "Stop the busy road."

(verb) hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of. Synonyms: obstruct, blockade, hinder, stymie, stymy, embarrass. Example: "His brother blocked him at every turn."

(verb) stop from happening or developing. Synonyms: stop, halt, kibosh. Examples: "Block his election." "Halt the process."

(verb) interfere with or prevent the reception of signals. Synonyms: jam. Examples: "Jam the voice of america." "Block the signals emitted by this station."

(verb) run on a block system. Example: "Block trains."

(verb) interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia. Examples: "Block a nerve." "Block a muscle."

(verb) shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight. Synonyms: obstruct. Examples: "The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage." "The trees obstruct my view of the mountains."

(verb) stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block. Example: "Block the book cover."

(verb) obstruct. Synonyms: stuff, lug, choke up. Examples: "My nose is all stuffed." "Her arteries are blocked."

(verb) block passage through. Synonyms: obstruct, obturate, impede, occlude, jam, close up. Example: "Obstruct the path."

(verb) support, secure, or raise with a block. Examples: "Block a plate for printing." "Block the wheels of a car."

(verb) impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball). Synonyms: parry, deflect. Example: "Block an attack."

(verb) be unable to remember. Synonyms: forget, blank out, draw a blank. Examples: "I'm drawing a blank." "You are blocking the name of your first wife!."

(verb) shape by using a block. Examples: "Block a hat." "Block a garment."

(verb) shape into a block or blocks. Example: "Block the graphs so one can see the results clearly."

(verb) prohibit the conversion or use of (assets). Synonyms: freeze, immobilize, immobilise. Examples: "Blocked funds." "Freeze the assets of this hostile government."