to block out distractions
1
3.5
- phrasal verb
- He learned to block out distractions during his meditation sessions to enhance his focus.
- helps block out distractions
Examples
-
On blocking out distractions with a young team...
Blog text (8) -
We've learned to block out distractions so much so that we can focus.
-
They will also be able to use their iPods to block out distractions.
Blog text (4) -
To improve your productivity, you must block out distractions like social media and noise.
-
Many students find it helpful to block out distractions by using noise-canceling headphones while studying.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
Choose not to pay attention to someone or something
543
3.4
To give all your attention to one thing
151
3.4
To stop thinking about something for a short time
106
3.9
Ignore something or someone on purpose
69
3.9
Temporarily stop a rule or policy from being used
67
4.0
To stop yourself remembering or noticing something unpleasant
48
5.8
To hold back feelings or reactions
46
4.4
To stop listening or paying attention to what is happening
36
3.7
To stop worrying and think calmly to focus
32
4.0
Make one thing stop the effect of another so nothing happens
12
4.3
To check and remove people or things that are not wanted
11
4.5
Ignore a person or thing because you think they are not important
6
4.1
Refuse to think about something, for example worries or objections
1
3.5
To remove unwanted sounds or information to focus on what matters
Antonyms
How Focused
1
3.5
543
3.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
block + out + distraction
The meaning 'to deliberately ignore or eliminate things that interrupt concentration' is directly derivable from 'block' (to stop/obstruct) plus the particle 'out' (indicating exclusion or removal) and 'distractions' (things that pull attention). This verb+particle+noun composition is common and follows a predictable compositional pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Block out distractions uses a clear picture: to block means to put a barrier and out means to push something away, so you imagine stopping noises or thoughts from coming in. That's why it means 'to ignore or remove things that interrupt your focus'.