Definition of block

Short definition: The word block means stopping something from going forward or getting through, but it can also mean a solid piece like a block of wood or even a group of buildings in a city.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word block? The word block is very flexible in English. It can describe a solid object, an action that stops something, a group of buildings, or even a mental state. You can hear it in daily conversations, in technology, in sports, and in city life. Because of this, block is a simple word with many useful meanings. Below, each meaning is explained in a natural and human way, so it feels easy to understand in real situations.

Forms: block, blocks, blocked, blocking
Related: blockage n., blocker n.
Syllable: block

1. A solid piece of material with a clear shape.

   A block can be a solid piece of wood, stone, plastic, or other material. People use blocks to build things, support structures, or as toys for children. This meaning focuses on something physical that has a firm and simple shape.

   The child stacked the wooden blocks.
   He used a concrete block to hold the door open.
   The sculpture was carved from a single block of stone.

   Synonyms: solid piece, chunk, slab, brick, cube, bar, piece of material, building piece, hard object, firm piece, shaped mass, solid unit
   Antonyms: liquid, powder, soft material, flexible piece, loose material, fluid form, empty space, gap, hole, opening, hollow, space

2. To stop something from moving or happening.

   To block means to prevent something from going forward. You can block a road, block a message, or block someone online. In this sense, block is about stopping access or closing a path.

   The accident blocked the main road.
   She blocked the spam messages.
   He tried to block the ball in the game.

   Synonyms: stop, prevent, obstruct, close off, shut out, cut off, hinder, hold back, deny access, bar, restrict, interrupt
   Antonyms: allow, open, permit, let through, enable, clear, unblock, approve, support, assist, help, give access

3. A group of buildings in a city.

   In city life, a block means the area of buildings between two streets. People use this meaning when giving directions or describing locations. It helps explain distance in a simple way.

   The café is one block from here.
   She lives two blocks away.
   The store is on the next block.

   Synonyms: city section, street section, neighborhood unit, building row, urban section, street block, local area, nearby area, town section, district part, street segment, city unit
   Antonyms: countryside, open field, rural area, empty land, wide space, park area, farmland, forest zone, remote area, wilderness, open area, free space

4. A mental or emotional barrier.

   A block can also mean something that stops you mentally. People talk about a creative block when they cannot get new ideas, or an emotional block when feelings are hard to express. This meaning focuses on inner limits.

   She has a block when speaking in public.
   Writer’s block slowed his work.
   Fear became a block to his progress.

   Synonyms: mental barrier, emotional barrier, inner obstacle, creative stop, psychological wall, personal limit, inner resistance, thinking barrier, fear-based stop, emotional wall, mental stop, inner block
   Antonyms: freedom of thought, open mind, creativity flow, confidence, emotional openness, clear thinking, motivation, inspiration, courage, progress, breakthrough, growth

5. A unit of time or activity.

   Sometimes block means a fixed period of time or a planned activity space. Schools talk about class blocks, and people talk about time blocks when organizing their day. This meaning is about structure and planning.

   She scheduled a work block in the morning.
   The class is in the second block.
   He uses time blocks to stay focused.

   Synonyms: time slot, schedule unit, activity period, session, planned time, work segment, focus period, class period, timetable unit, study block, task window, time section
   Antonyms: free time, open schedule, random time, unplanned moment, break, rest period, idle time, flexible time, unscheduled moment, free period, open time, leisure time