block out

phrasal verb

blocked out; blocking out; blocks out
1
: to hide or cover something so that it cannot be seen, felt, or heard
Clouds blocked out the sun.
We put on music to block out the sound of the traffic.
2
: to force oneself not to think about (something)
He tried to block the event out.
3
: to ignore (something)
blocking out distractions

Examples of block out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Beats Studio Pro headphones truly block out any distracting noises, allowing wearers to connect to in-flight entertainment comfortably and sleep without interruption. Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026 The drawings show mature trees along a central walkway, omitting buildings on both sides, blocking out the sun. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026 Kevin does his best to block out all that noise. Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Typically, this includes chatter, transport hum, and urban background noise that are harder to block out. New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for block out

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Cite this Entry

“Block out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/block%20out. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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