blocking

American  

[blok-ing] / ˈblɒk ɪŋ /

noun

Carpentry.

1. a number of small pieces of wood for filling interstices, or for spacing, joining, or reinforcing members.

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blocking British  

/ ˈblɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. electronics the interruption of anode current in a valve because of the application of a high negative voltage to the grid

2. internal congestion in a communication system that prevents the transmission of information

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Other Word Forms

• nonblocking adjective

Etymology

Origin of blocking

First recorded in 1575–85; block + -ing ¹

Explanation

When you obstruct someone from seeing or doing something, that's blocking. In most sports, blocking your opponent is a huge part of playing the game. Blocking the player who's trying to make a basket is one kind of blocking. There's also blocking a street for the neighborhood block party, or blocking your ex-friend on social media. In each case, you're cutting off access in some way. In theater, the word takes on a different meaning, "the staging of actors." This use stems from the 19th-century theater, when directors would frequently use wooden blocks to plan out the actors' positions on a miniature stage.

Example Sentences

"There can be no grounds for blocking it any more," Zelensky said.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

A stroke can be ischemic, clots blocking the flow of blood to the brain, or hemorrhagic, blood vessels rupturing in the brain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Nexstar has complained about the unusual nature of blocking a transaction after-the-fact.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Demonstrators in the Republic of Ireland had been blocking fuel depots and motorways for nearly a week.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The vans are parked in a semicircle, blocking the parking lot exit.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• battle
• defiance
• fight
• intransigence
• protection
• refusal
• struggle
• support