block out
to prevent (a thought) from entering one's mind.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I try to block out the noise when I study.”
“She tried to block out the memory of the argument by focusing entirely on her work.”
“Despite his best efforts to block out the lingering anxiety of the morning, the persistent worry continued to cloud his concentration throughout the afternoon meeting.”
- 01
chip off the old block
Someone who takes after one of their parents; (generally) a person similar to another.
- 02
fly out of the blocks
To begin quickly
- 03
gapers' block
A traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction.
- 04
knock someone's block off
To strike a person in the head, causing them to fall to the ground, especially in an unconscious condition; to beat up a person.
- 05
new kid on the block
Someone or something new to an existing community.
- 06
storm out of the blocks
To begin rapidly.
Last updated August 10, 2026