block out

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.
Business owners said the trees blocked out noise and pollution coming from the highway. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026 The only difference is that Megan wears dark sunglasses, presumably blocking out some of the bright, flashing lights. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 Nov. 2026 This all proves a pretty bad showing for the SoundForm Play ANC, since quality noise cancelling is a good way to help ensure kids won’t want or need to dial the volume up on their headphones to block out distracting external noise. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026 Martinez also recommends the Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs for blocking out background noise. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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