# blocked

/ˈbɫɑkt/ (US) · /blˈɒkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blocked
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physically obstructed

adjective · CEFR B1

closed or stopped so that nothing can get through.

For teachers: obstructed in a manner that prevents movement, flow, or passage.

- The kitchen sink is blocked, so the water won't go down.
- The main artery into the city remained blocked for several hours following the multi-vehicle collision during the morning rush.

### 2. digitally restricted

adjective · CEFR B1

prevented from using a website, app, or phone service.

For teachers: denied access to a digital platform, service, or communication channel by administrative restriction.

- I can't see his posts because he blocked me on social media.
- The IT department confirmed that the suspicious IP address had been blocked to prevent further unauthorised attempts to access the server.

### 3. drunk

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · British English · Dialect

having had too much alcohol to drink.

For teachers: intoxicated by alcohol; used as a slang term in specific regional dialects.

- He was completely blocked after the wedding party and had to take a taxi home.
- The group arrived at the pub already half-blocked, much to the annoyance of the staff who had to monitor their behaviour.

Teaching tip: This sense is primarily found in Irish and some British dialects; learners should use 'drunk' or 'intoxicated' in standard international contexts.

## Examples

- I blocked him because he kept sending me spam.
- After their argument, she blocked his number and his social media profiles to ensure he could no longer reach her.
- Digital safety experts recommend that users who experience persistent online harassment should immediately use the platform's tools to ensure the offending accounts are blocked and reported.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.