B1noun1K

Block

UK /["/blɒk/"]/US /["/blɑːk/"]/

Definition

a large piece of a solid material that is square or rectangular in shape and usually has flat sides

In simple words: To stop something from happening or to make it impossible to pass.

Examples

  • He threw a block of wood into the fire.
  • The construction of the new park will require a large block of land.
  • The software has a block feature to stop unwanted messages.
  • She decided to block him on social media after the argument.
  • We played with building blocks to create a tower.

Usage notes

Use 'block' when referring to stopping something physically or metaphorically. It's appropriate in both everyday and formal contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

block + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'block' of wood stopping traffic, blocking the way.

Collocations

  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • on the chopping block
  • high-rise
  • tower
  • tenement
  • in a/​the block
  • block of
  • city
  • around the block
  • round the block
  • block from
  • city
  • around the block
  • round the block
  • block from
  • mental
  • writer’s
  • experience
  • have
  • suffer from
  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • on the chopping block

Synonyms

  • stop
  • prevent
  • obstruct
  • hinder
  • interfere

Antonyms

  • allow
  • permit
  • facilitate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'block' as a noun vs. verb.
  • Using 'block' with the wrong prepositions.
  • Saying 'blocked by' instead of 'blocked from'.