Definition of "block" in English

noun

1. A substantial, often approximately cuboid, piece of any substance.

   • a block of ice; a block of stone
   • She picked up the block and examined it.

2. A physical area or extent of something, often rectangular or approximately rectangular.

   • a block of text; a block of colour; a block of land

3. A logical extent or region; a grouping or apportionment of like things treated together as a unit.

   • a block of data; a block of seven days; a block reservation

4. A contiguous group of urban lots of property, typically several acres in extent, not crossed by public streets.

   • I’m going for a walk around the block.

5. A cuboid or approximately cuboid building.

   • a block of flats; a tower block; an office block; a toilet block; a shower block

6. Something that prevents something from passing.

   • There’s a block in the pipe that means the water can’t get through.

7. (slang) The human head.

   • I’ll knock your block off!

8. (UK) Solitary confinement.

9. (obsolete) A blockhead; a stupid person; a dolt.

verb

1. (transitive) To fill or obstruct (something) so that it is not possible to pass.

   • The pipe was blocked by leaves.
   • You’re blocking the road – I can’t get through!

2. (transitive) To prevent (something or someone) from passing.

   • A broken-down car is blocking the traffic.

3. (transitive) To prevent (something from happening or someone from doing something).

   • His plan to take over the business was blocked by the boss.

4. (transitive, sports) To impede (an opponent or opponent’s play).

   • He blocked the basketball player’s shot.
   • The offensive linemen tried to block the blitz.

5. (transitive, theater) To specify the positions and movements of the actors for (a section of a play or film).

   • It was very difficult to block this scene convincingly.

6. (transitive, cricket) To hit with a block.

7. (intransitive, cricket) To play a block shot.

8. (transitive) To bar (impose a ban on a person or bot, etc.) from connecting via telephone, instant messaging, etc., or from accessing an online account or service, or similar.