Blackout
/ˈblækˌaʊt/
Definitions
3 meaningsA complete failure of electrical power.
/ˈblækˌaʊt/
A period of darkness caused by a power failure.
The blackout lasted for several hours.
💡 Simply: When the lights go out.
More Examples
We experienced a sudden blackout during the movie.
How It's Used
"The storm caused a city-wide blackout."
A temporary loss of consciousness.
/ˈblækˌaʊt/
A period of loss of consciousness or memory.
He had a blackout and couldn't remember the accident.
💡 Simply: A temporary loss of awareness.
More Examples
The doctor suspects the blackouts are caused by epilepsy.
How It's Used
"She suffered a blackout after hitting her head."
Suppression of news or information.
/ˈblækˌaʊt/
A censorship of information or news.
The government imposed a blackout on information about the crisis.
💡 Simply: When news is hidden or stopped.
More Examples
The media blackout prevented people from knowing the truth.
How It's Used
"There was a news blackout during the war."
From "black" + "out", emerging in the early 20th century, initially referring to a period of darkness caused by a failure of electrical power.
The term gained prominence during World War II, referring to both power outages and censorship.
Memory tip
Think of the absence of light - black and out.