blocking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (common in formal, technical, and informal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “blocking” mean?
The act of preventing something from moving, happening, or being seen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of preventing something from moving, happening, or being seen.
In various domains, it can mean obstructing, scheduling segments of time, forming into blocks, or (in theater/film) planning actors' movements on stage or set.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and some vocabulary choices (e.g., 'theatre' vs. 'theater') may differ in related contexts. The core meanings are identical. 'Blocking' in sports like football (soccer) is less common than 'blocking' in American football.
Connotations
Generally neutral for obstruction. In creative fields (theatre/film), it's a standard technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the prominence of 'blocking' in American football and perhaps in tech discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “blocking” in a Sentence
blocking + of + NOUN (the blocking of the bill)NOUN + blocking (ad blocking)blocking + NOUN (blocking manoeuvre)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blocking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lorry is blocking the carriageway.
- She blocked his number after the argument.
- The defender executed a perfect blocking tackle.
American English
- The truck is blocking the highway.
- She blocked his number after the argument.
- The senator is blocking the legislation.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. The related form 'blockingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. The related form 'blockingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- The blocking move was crucial in the rugby match.
- We need a better blocking solution for these ads.
- The blocking rehearsal is at 3 pm.
American English
- The blocking sled is used for football practice.
- Use a blocking filter for those pop-ups.
- The blocking call came from the stage manager.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to obstacles preventing progress, e.g., 'The legal issue is a major blocking point for the merger.'
Academic
Used in psychology (e.g., memory blocking), statistics (block design), and computer science.
Everyday
Common for physical obstruction or preventing communication, e.g., 'He's blocking the aisle.' or 'I'm blocking spam calls.'
Technical
In IT: preventing network traffic or user access. In theatre/film: staging actors. In sports: a defensive move.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blocking”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blocking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blocking”
- Using 'blocking' as a simple adjective for a solid object (use 'blocky').
- Confusing 'blocking' with 'blockade' (the latter is a specific, often military, action).
- Misspelling as 'blokking'.
- Using it intransitively without an object where one is needed (e.g., 'The valve is blocking' is less common than 'The valve is blocked' or 'is blocking the flow').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it often implies an unwanted obstruction (e.g., blocking a road), it can be positive or neutral (e.g., blocking a harmful website, blocking time for focused work, or blocking a scene in theatre).
'Blocking' typically refers to preventing an action, access, or movement, often temporarily or situationally (block a user from contacting you). 'Banning' is more official, permanent, and severe, meaning to formally or legally prohibit something entirely (ban a user from a platform).
Yes. Terms like 'thought blocking' (a sudden halt in speech/thought) or 'memory blocking' (being unable to recall a specific memory) are used in psychology and psychiatry.
Use the noun 'blocking' to name the concept, activity, or result (e.g., 'The blocking of the pipe caused a flood.'). Use the verb 'to block' for the action itself (e.g., 'A leaf blocked the pipe.'). The -ing form can also function as a gerund (noun) or present participle (verb/adjective).
The act of preventing something from moving, happening, or being seen.
Blocking is usually neutral (common in formal, technical, and informal contexts) in register.
Blocking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblɒk.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblɑː.kɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A stumbling block”
- “Writer's block”
- “To block out (noise/memory)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a large BLOCK of concrete in the middle of a road; it's BLOCKING the way.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTRUCTION IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER (e.g., 'blocking progress', 'roadblock'); PREVENTION IS SHIELDING (e.g., 'blocking a punch', 'sunblock').
Practice
Quiz
In the context of internet technology, what does 'blocking' most commonly refer to?