English Reference

Phrasal verb

block out

Definition

phrasal verb. to stop light or sound from entering a room, or to stop yourself from thinking about something unpleasant. You use this when you close the curtains or try to forget a bad memory.

phrasal verb. to prevent light, sound, or information from being perceived or entering a space. Often used transitively to describe the psychological suppression of unwanted thoughts or memories.

Examples

“These thick curtains block out the street lights at night.”

“She put on her noise-canceling headphones to block out the sound of the construction work next door.”

“The witness attempted to block out the traumatic events of the evening, leading to significant gaps in the testimony provided during the cross-examination.”

Examples

simple

“These thick curtains block out the street lights at night.”

contextual

“She put on her noise-canceling headphones to block out the sound of the construction work next door.”

complex

“The witness attempted to block out the traumatic events of the evening, leading to significant gaps in the testimony provided during the cross-examination.”

Usage

this verb is separable, meaning you can put the object between 'block' and 'out'.

Teaching tip

useful for discussing sensory input or psychology; compare with 'block off' which is used for physical barriers like road closures.

Pitfall

The police blocked out the street for the parade.

The police blocked off the street for the parade.

block out refers to light, sound, or thoughts, while block off refers to closing a physical area or road.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

block + out + object

Synonyms

screenobstructstopsuppressignore

Antonyms

let inexposereveal

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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