ENGLISH
REFERENCE

block out

idiom
Meaning

to prevent (a thought) from entering one's mind.


Examples
SIMPLE

I try to block out the noise when I study.

CONTEXTUAL

She tried to block out the memory of the argument by focusing entirely on her work.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    chip off the old block

    Someone who takes after one of their parents; (generally) a person similar to another.

  2. 02

    gapers' block

    A traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    new kid on the block

    Someone or something new to an existing community.

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