The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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block

noun

/blɒk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of block

An obstacle or barrier that hinders progress or movement.
"The writer suffered from a writer's block and struggled to find inspiration for their next book."

Detailed meaning of block

It can refer to a physical obstruction or a figurative one, such as a mental block or an emotional barrier. In the context of sports, a block refers to an action that prevents an opponent from advancing or scoring. Secondly, it can also refer to a solid piece of material, often with defined dimensions, used for various purposes. For example, a wooden block can be used in construction or as a building material, while a block of ice can be used for cooling or preservation. Thirdly, "block" can denote a designated section or unit within a larger structure or area. This could include a city block, which is a defined area of land surrounded by streets, or an apartment block, which is a large building divided into individual living units. Lastly, "block" can also describe a set of individual items or elements arranged together in a cohesive unit, such as a block of text or a block of data in computing. Overall, the noun "block" encompasses various meanings related to solid objects, designated sections, obstacles, and cohesive units.

Example sentences containing block

1. The traffic jam was caused by a massive block on the highway.
2. A mental block prevented him from finishing the project.
3. The writer's block was frustrating her creative process.
4. The roadblock delayed our journey by several hours.
5. A huge block of ice floated down the river.
6. The block in the drainage system caused a flood.

History and etymology of block

The noun 'block,' in the sense of an obstacle or barrier, has an interesting etymology. It derives from the Middle English word 'blok,' which can be traced back to the Old French word 'bloc' and earlier to the Old High German word 'bloh,' both of which meant a log or piece of wood. This connection to wood is significant because early barriers or obstacles often consisted of wooden structures or logs placed to impede movement or create boundaries. Over time, the term 'block' evolved to encompass a broader range of hindrances and barriers, not limited to physical objects, reflecting the evolution of language to describe various impediments to progress or movement.

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Further usage examples of block

1. The brick wall served as a formidable block.
2. His stubbornness was a significant block to compromise.
3. She encountered a stumbling block in her career path.
4. The security block prevented unauthorized access.
5. They faced a financial block in their business expansion.
6. The bureaucratic block slowed down the approval process.
7. A writer's block can be a challenging obstacle to overcome.
8. The tight deadline was a mental block for the team.
9. The concrete block obstructed the view of the garden.
10. A creative block can be frustrating for artists.
11. A mental block kept him from recalling the information.
12. The massive block of ice broke free from the glacier.
13. The political block voted against the proposed legislation.
14. A mental block can impede problem-solving abilities.
15. The road construction caused a traffic block, delaying the commuters.
16. The defensive player made a crucial block, preventing the opponent from scoring.
17. The puzzle consisted of different blocks that needed to be assembled to form a picture.
18. The hacker attempted to bypass the security block, but was unsuccessful.
19. The stock market experienced a sudden price drop, causing a significant block in investor confidence.