block out

To stop light, sound, or something else from getting in or passing through.

• These curtains block out sunlight.
• I wore earplugs to block out the noise.
• The thick walls blocked out most of the traffic sounds.

How to use it: block out something / block something out (These curtains block the light out.)

Similar words: keep out, shut out

Common phrases: block out noise, block out the light

To try not to think about something unpleasant.

• She tried to block out the memory.
• I block out my worries by keeping busy.
• He had blocked out much of his unhappy childhood.

How to use it: block out something / block something out (He tried to block the memory out.)

Similar words: shut out, suppress

Common phrases: block out memories, block out painful thoughts

To cover something so that people cannot see it.

• The tree blocks out our view.
• She blocked out the names before sharing the document.
• Dark clouds had blocked out the mountain.

How to use it: block out something / block something out (She blocked her address out with black ink.)

Similar words: obscure, hide, cover

Common phrases: block out a name, block out the view

To make a rough plan or basic shape before adding details.

• Block out the main shapes first.
• The artist blocked out the figure before carving the details.
• We blocked out a rough plan for the exhibition.

How to use it: block out something / block something out (First, block the main shapes out in pencil.)

Similar words: sketch out, rough out, outline

Common phrases: block out a plan, block out basic shapes