block

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides); "the pyramids were built with large stone blocks"

a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings; "he lives in the next block"

a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides

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"

housing in a large building that is divided into separate units; "there is a block of classrooms in the west wing"

(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"

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"

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

a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine; "the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked"

an obstruction in a pipe or tube; "we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe"

a platform from which an auctioneer sells; "they put their paintings on the block"

the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements

render unsuitable for passage; "block the way"; "barricade the streets"; "stop the busy road"

hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of; "His brother blocked him at every turn"

stop from happening or developing; "Block his election"; "Halt the process"

interfere with or prevent the reception of signals; "Jam the Voice of America"; "block the signals emitted by this station"

run on a block system; "block trains"

interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia; "block a nerve"; "block a muscle"

shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight; "The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage"; "The trees obstruct my view of the mountains"

stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block; "block the book cover"

obstruct; "My nose is all stuffed"; "Her arteries are blocked"

block passage through; "obstruct the path"

support, secure, or raise with a block; "block a plate for printing"; "block the wheels of a car"

impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an attack"

be unable to remember; "I'm drawing a blank"; "You are blocking the name of your first wife!"

shape by using a block; "Block a hat"; "block a garment"

shape into a block or blocks; "block the graphs so one can see the results clearly"

prohibit the conversion or use of (assets); "Blocked funds"; "Freeze the assets of this hostile government"