mental block: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “mental block” mean?
A temporary inability to remember something or to think clearly, often caused by stress or anxiety.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A temporary inability to remember something or to think clearly, often caused by stress or anxiety.
A psychological barrier that inhibits a person's ability to perform a cognitive task, such as solving a problem, recalling information, or being creative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, implying a temporary cognitive obstacle.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “mental block” in a Sentence
have a mental block about [something]suffer from a mental block when [doing something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mental block” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Stress can block your ability to concentrate.
American English
- Anxiety often blocks creative thinking.
adverb
British English
- He is mentally exhausted from the task.
American English
- She prepared mentally for the challenge.
adjective
British English
- She has excellent mental agility.
American English
- He is focusing on mental wellness.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
When giving a presentation, some people experience a mental block and forget their key points.
Academic
Students may have a mental block during exams, preventing them from recalling studied material.
Everyday
I have a mental block and can't remember where I put my glasses.
Technical
In psychology, a mental block is considered a type of performance anxiety that affects cognitive functions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mental block”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mental block”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mental block”
- Using 'mental block' as a verb, e.g., 'I mental blocked' instead of 'I had a mental block'.
- Incorrect article usage, e.g., 'have mental block' instead of 'have a mental block'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but in very formal writing, alternatives like 'cognitive barrier' might be preferred.
No, 'mental block' is a noun phrase. The verb form would be 'to block' or 'to have a mental block'.
Stress, anxiety, fatigue, pressure, or lack of confidence are common causes.
Techniques include taking breaks, practicing relaxation exercises, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and seeking support.
A temporary inability to remember something or to think clearly, often caused by stress or anxiety.
Mental block: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛntl blɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛntl blɑk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hit a wall”
- “draw a blank”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a brick block in your brain stopping thoughts from passing through.
Conceptual Metaphor
The mind as a pipeline with blocks obstructing the flow of thoughts.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'mental block' typically refer to?