block out

block out — phrasal verb

  • block outbase form
  • blocks out3rd person singular
  • blocking out-ing form
  • blocked outpast simple

1. to stop light, sound, or other physical things from entering a space or reaching

1.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to stop light, sound, or other physical things from entering a space or reaching you by putting something in the way so they cannot pass through.

例句

Theo hung thick curtains to block out the morning sunlight.

block out + noun (light/sunlight)

Kofi could barely hear the movie because the loud traffic blocked out the dialogue.

passive: be blocked out

同義詞
  • shut out

    slightly more formal; often used for sound or cold rather than light

  • keep out

    broader — can refer to people, animals, or weather, not just light/noise

  • mask

    emphasises covering or hiding rather than physically stopping

反義詞
  • let in

    direct opposite — allowing light, sound, or air to enter

  • admit

    more formal; used for light, air, or people entering a space

文法句型

block out + noun

block + noun + out

block out + noun + from + noun

用法筆記

Unlike 'block up' (which means to clog or obstruct a passage), 'block out' focuses on preventing entry or passage. The object can go between 'block' and 'out' when it is shorter: 'block the sun out' vs. 'block out all the sunlight'.

常見錯誤

❌The pipe is blocked out.
✅The pipe is blocked up.
💡'block out' means preventing entry; 'block up' means clogging a passage.
❌She blocked out the window with cardboard.
✅She blocked the window with cardboard.' or 'She blocked out the light with cardboard.
💡'block out' needs a thing being prevented (light, sound), not just a physical opening.

2. to push an unpleasant memory, thought, or feeling away from your conscious mind

2.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to push an unpleasant memory, thought, or feeling away from your conscious mind on purpose, so it stops hurting you or spoiling your mood.

例句

Even years later, Devika could not block out the memory of the accident.

could not block out + memory (inability)

Hiro tried to block out the rude comments during the meeting and stay focused.

try to block out + unpleasant comment

同義詞
  • suppress

    more clinical or formal; used in psychology for pushing down emotions

  • push aside

    less formal; suggests making a conscious effort to ignore

  • shut out

    overlaps in meaning; implies actively refusing to let something enter your thoughts

反義詞
  • dwell on

    opposite — to keep thinking about something, especially something negative

  • confront

    opposite — to face a painful memory or feeling instead of avoiding it

文法句型

block out + noun (memory/thought)

block + noun + out of + possessive + mind

try to block out + noun

用法筆記

Commonly used with nouns like 'memory', 'thought', 'feeling', 'pain', 'experience', 'trauma'. The object is almost always something negative. Unlike 'forget' (which happens naturally), 'block out' is intentional — you actively push the thought away. Often used with 'try to', 'could not', 'manage to'.

常見錯誤

❌I blocked out my homework.
✅I ignored my homework.' or 'I put off my homework.
💡'block out' is for negative thoughts/memories only, not tasks you avoid doing.
❌She blocked out his name.
✅She forgot his name.
💡'forget' is unintentional; 'block out' is an active effort to suppress.