block out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Stop light, noise, or a thought from reaching you
Why “out”? Out can mean away from sight, people, or access. You cannot see it, reach it, or join it.
“The curtains blocked out the sun.”
“Headphones blocked out the noise.”
Don't confuse with
Block out means stop light, noise, or a thought from reaching you. Block off means close off an area or route to prevent access.
Test yourself
“The curtains blocked out the sun.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
block off
A contrast learners often mix up
Close off an area or route to prevent access; Reserve a period of time for a specific purpose
hide out
Same out pattern: hiding
Stay in a secret place to avoid being found
keep out
Same out pattern: hiding
Prevent someone or something from entering
shut out
Same out pattern: hiding
Prevent someone or something from being included
stay out
Same out pattern: hiding
Remain outside or away from a place or situation
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