Word
blocking
Phoneticsblock·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɫɑkɪŋ/
UK/blˈɒkɪŋ/
Definitions
01an obstruction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of stopping something from moving or passing through.
n. the act of obstructing or hindering movement or progress. Often used in a physical or metaphorical sense to describe a stoppage.
“The blocking of the main road caused a huge traffic jam this morning.”
“The sudden blocking of the drainage pipe led to significant flooding in the basement during the heavy rainstorm.”
Synonyms
02theatre/film
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Theater Technical
n. the plan for where actors should stand and move on a stage.
n. the precise movement and positioning of actors on a stage or film set to facilitate a performance and ensure correct camera angles.
“The director spent the afternoon working on the blocking for the final scene.”
“The complex blocking required the lead actress to move precisely between three different light sources without shadowing her co-star.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the general process of staging.
Synonyms
03computing/electronics
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical
n. a feature that stops a computer or device from doing two things at once by mistake.
n. a technical constraint or artifact, such as preventing ghosting on a keyboard or visual errors in digital signals processed in blocks.
“This gaming keyboard has special blocking to prevent errors when you press many keys.”
“The engineer noted significant blocking artifacts in the compressed video stream, indicating that the bitrate was too low for the resolution.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “blocking” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The siege comes as Israel’s military conducts raids in Jenin, blocking access to aid for Palestinians in the refugee camp on the fourth day of its assault.” “A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun's light and casting a shadow on our planet.” “It happens when the moon comes directly between the Earth and sun, blocking the sun out completely and only leaving the corona.” “There are some practical steps you can take yourself, she says, such as placing blocking software on your device.” Word family
NOUN
Idioms
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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