Main Entry: black·out

Pronunciation: \ˈblak-ˌau̇t\

Function: noun

Date: 1913

1 a : a turning off of the stage lighting to separate scenes in a play or end a play or skit; also : a skit that ends with a blackout b : a period of darkness enforced as a precaution against air raids c : a period of darkness (as in a city) caused by a failure of electrical power
2 : a transient dulling or loss of vision, consciousness, or memory <an alcoholic blackout>
3 a : a wiping out : obliteration b : a blotting out by censorship : suppression <a news blackout>
4 : a usually temporary loss of a radio signal
5 : the prohibition or restriction of the telecasting of a sports event
6 : a time during which a special commercial offer (as of tickets) is not valid —usually used attributively <blackout dates>