To stop light, noise, or something else from passing through or being noticed.
The thick curtains block out most of the sunlight in my room.
A: Why do you wear headphones at work? B: They help block out all the background noise so I can focus.
In my opinion, wearing earplugs is a good way to block out loud sounds when you need to concentrate, especially in a busy library.
Common mistake
✗Earplugs block out it.
✓Earplugs block it out.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'block it out'.
Tell it apart
Blackout blinds block out the light.
physically stop it getting in
I try to block out the noise and focus.
mentally shut it out — figurative
Use 'block out' when something physically stops light or sound from reaching a place.'Block off' means to close an area, while 'block out' means to stop something like light or noise.
To try not to think about or remember something unpleasant or unwanted.
She tries to block out the memories of the accident.
A: Do you ever think about what happened last year? B: Not really. I try to block it out and move on.
Some people block out negative experiences as a way to protect their mental health, but I think it's better to talk about them.
Common mistake
✗He tries to block out from the memory.
✓He tries to block out the memory.
'Block out' takes the object directly — no 'from'.
Tell it apart
He's blocked out that whole year.
deliberately shut the memory away
He's forgotten that whole year.
it's simply gone
Use 'block out' when you make an effort to not remember or think about something.'Forget' means you can't remember, but 'block out' means you try not to remember.