n.

1. a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
   
   • the pyramids were built with large stone blocks
2. a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings;
   city block
   
   • he lives in the next block
3. a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides;
   cube
4. a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit
   
   • he reserved a large block of seats
   • he held a large block of the company's stock
5. housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
   
   • there is a block of classrooms in the west wing
6. (computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted
   
   • since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms `block' and `sector' are sometimes used interchangeably
7. an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tension;
   mental block
   
   • I knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block
8. a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope;
   pulley, pulley-block
9. a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine;
   engine block, cylinder block
   
   • the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
10. an obstruction in a pipe or tube;
    blockage, closure, occlusion, stop, stoppage
    
    • we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
11. a platform from which an auctioneer sells;
    auction block
    
    • they put their paintings on the block
12. the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements;
    blocking

v.

1. render unsuitable for passage;
   barricade, blockade, stop, block off, block up, bar
   
   • block the way
   • barricade the streets
   • stop the busy road
2. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of;
   obstruct, blockade, hinder, stymie, stymy, embarrass
   
   • His brother blocked him at every turn
3. stop from happening or developing;
   stop, halt, kibosh
   
   • Block his election
   • Halt the process
4. interfere with or prevent the reception of signals;
   jam
   
   • Jam the Voice of America
   • block the signals emitted by this station
5. run on a block system
   
   • block trains
6. interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
   
   • block a nerve
   • block a muscle
7. shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight;
   obstruct
   
   • The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage
   • The trees obstruct my view of the mountains
8. stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
   
   • block the book cover
9. obstruct;
   stuff, lug, choke up
   
   • My nose is all stuffed
   • Her arteries are blocked
10. block passage through;
    obstruct, obturate, impede, occlude, jam, close up
    
    • obstruct the path
11. support, secure, or raise with a block
    
    • block a plate for printing
    • block the wheels of a car
12. impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball);
    parry, deflect
    
    • block an attack
13. be unable to remember;
    forget, blank out, draw a blank
    
    • I'm drawing a blank
    • You are blocking the name of your first wife!
14. shape by using a block
    
    • Block a hat
    • block a garment
15. shape into a block or blocks
    
    • block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
16. prohibit the conversion or use of (assets);
    freeze, immobilize, immobilise
    
    • Blocked funds
    • Freeze the assets of this hostile government