blot out

To cover something so that it cannot be seen.

• Clouds blotted out the sun.
• Smoke blotted out our view of the hills.
• The moon briefly blots out the sun during an eclipse.

How to use it: blot out something (Thick smoke blotted out the skyline.)

Similar words: hide, obscure, block out

Common phrases: blot out sunlight, blot something out

To remove or cover words or marks so that they can no longer be read or recognized.

• She blotted out his name.
• Black ink had blotted out most of the message.
• Please blot out the address before sharing the letter.

How to use it: blot something out (He blotted his address out with black ink.)

Similar words: erase, obliterate, black out

Common phrases: blot out words, blot something out

To remove wet ink or another liquid by pressing paper or cloth against it.

• Blot out the wet ink.
• He blotted out the spill with a cloth.
• Can you blot this fresh stain out before it dries?

How to use it: blot something out (She blotted the wet ink out with absorbent paper.)

Similar words: blot up, absorb

Common phrases: blot out ink, blot something out

To destroy someone or something completely.

• The explosion blotted out the city.
• They feared a war that would blot out their people.
• One disaster could blot out all life on the island.

How to use it: blot out something (The war threatened to blot out an entire civilization.)

Similar words: wipe out, annihilate, destroy

Common phrases: blot out civilization, blot something out