block (
http://definr.com/block)
n 1: a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular
sides); "the pyramids were built with large stone
blocks"
2: a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and
usually containing several buildings; "he lives in the
next block" [syn:
city block]
3: a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular
sides [syn:
cube]
4: 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: housing in a large building that is divided into separate
units; "there is a block of classrooms in the west wing"
6: (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: 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" [syn: {mental
block}]
8: 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 [syn:
pulley,
pulley-block]
9: a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts
of an engine; "the engine had to be replaced because the
block was cracked" [syn:
engine block,
cylinder block]
10: an obstruction in a pipe or tube; "we had to call a plumber
to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe" [syn:
blockage,
closure,
occlusion,
stop,
stoppage]
11: a platform from which an auctioneer sells; "they put their
paintings on the block" [syn:
auction block]
12: the act of blocking someone's path with your body (as in
football); "he threw a rolling block into the line
backer" [syn:
blocking,
interference]
v 1: render unsuitable for passage; "block the way"; "barricade
the streets" [syn:
barricade,
blockade,
block off,
block up,
bar]
2: hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of; "His
brother blocked him at every turn" [syn:
obstruct,
blockade,
hinder,
stymie,
stymy,
embarrass]
3: stop from happening or developing; "Block his election";
"Halt the process" [syn:
stop,
halt,
kibosh]
4: interfere with or prevent the reception of signals; "Jam the
Voice of America"; "block the signals emitted by this
station" [syn:
jam]
5: run on a block system; "block trains"
6: interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia;
"block a nerve"; "block a muscle"
7: shut out from view; "The thick curtain blocked the action on
the stage"
8: stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block;
"block the book cover"
9: obstruct, as of a passage; "My nose is all stuffed"; "Her
arteries are blocked" [syn:
stuff,
lug,
choke up]
[ant:
unstuff]
10: block passage through; "obstruct the path" [syn:
obstruct,
obturate,
impede,
occlude,
jam,
close up]
[ant:
free]
11: support, secure, or raise with a block; "block a plate for
printing"; "block the wheels of a car"
12: impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball), as in sports
or fights; "block an attack" [syn:
parry,
deflect]
13: be unable to remember; "I'm drawing a blank"; "You are
blocking the name of your first wife!" [syn:
forget, {blank
out},
draw a blank] [ant:
remember]
14: shape by using a block: "Block a hat"; "block a garment"
15: shape into a block or blocks; "block the graphs so one can
see the results clearly"
16: prohibit the conversion or use of (assets); "Blocked funds";
"Freeze the assets of this hostile government" [syn:
freeze,
immobilize,
immobilise] [ant:
unblock,
unblock]