\ ˈbläk
\
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Definition of block
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: a compact usually solid piece of substantial material especially when worked or altered to serve a particular purpose
a block of ice blocks of cheese
: such as
a
: the piece of wood on which the neck of a person condemned to be beheaded is laid for execution
put her neck on the block
b
: a mold or form on which articles are shaped or displayed
a wooden hat block
c
: a hollow rectangular building unit usually of artificial material
a wall of concrete blocks
d
: a lightweight usually cubical and solid wooden or plastic building toy that is usually provided in sets
children playing with blocks
e
: the casting that contains the cylinders of an internal combustion engine
engine block
2a
: obstacle
putting a block on any future development
b
sports
: an obstruction of an opponent's play
especially, football
: a halting or impeding of the progress or movement of an opponent by use of the body
a block by the right tackle
c medical
(1)
: interruption of normal physiological function (as of a tissue or organ)
especially
: heart block
The patient presented with a block.
(2)
: local anesthesia (as by injection) produced by interruption of the flow of impulses along a nerve
d
psychology
: interruption or cessation especially of train of thought by competing thoughts or psychological suppression
a mental block an emotional block
— compare writer's block