1 B1 neutral
To prevent light or sound from passing through or being heard.
"These thick curtains are great for blocking out the morning sun."
separable
block out
B1 neutral separable transitive
To prevent light, sound, or thoughts from entering or being noticed; or to mark time as unavailable.
In plain English
To stop light, noise, or a bad thought from getting through to you; or to keep a time free.
What does "block out" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To deliberately push away or suppress a memory, feeling, or thought.
"She tried to block out the memory of the accident, but it kept coming back."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To mark a period of time as reserved in a diary or schedule.
"I've blocked out two hours on Monday for report writing."
separable
4 C1 neutral
In theatre or film: to plan the movement and positions of actors on a stage or set.
"The director spent the morning blocking out the final scene."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something so that it completely covers or prevents something else from passing.
Actually means
To stop light, noise, or a bad thought from getting through to you; or to keep a time free.
Usage tip
Very versatile. Used literally (blocking sunlight, noise) and figuratively (blocking out memories or emotions). Also used in scheduling. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "block out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sun noise light memories pain time sound
How to conjugate "block out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
block out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
blocks out
he/she/it
Past simple
blocked out
yesterday
Past participle
blocked out
have + pp
-ing form
blocking out
continuous
Hear "block out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "block out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "block out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.