[blak-out] 
| 1. | the extinguishing or concealment of all visible lights in a city, military post, etc., usually as a precaution against air raids. |
| 2. | a period during a massive power failure when the lack of electricity for illumination results in utter darkness except from emergency sources, as candles. |
| 3. | Theater.
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| 4. | Pathology.
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| 5. | a brief, passing lapse of memory: An actor may have an occasional blackout and forget a line or two. |
| 6. | complete stoppage of a communications medium, as by a strike, catastrophe, electrical storm, etc.: a newspaper blackout; a radio blackout. |
| 7. | a stoppage, suppression, or obliteration: a news blackout. |
| 8. | a period during which a special sales offer, fare rate, or other bargain is not available: The airline's discount on fares does not apply during the Christmas week blackout. |
| 9. | Radio and Television. a prohibition that is imposed on the broadcasting of an event and has the purpose of encouraging or ensuring ticket sales. |
| black·out (blāk'out') n.
Synonyms: These nouns denote a temporary loss of consciousness: suffers blackouts at high altitudes; fell in a dead faint at the sight of the body; sank to the ground in a swoon; was taken to the clinic in a state of syncope. |
The complete loss of electrical power in a particular area. Blackouts can result from a natural disaster, a manmade catastrophe, or simply from an excess of energy demand over supply. (Compare brownout.)
Note: Rolling blackouts to match supply and demand have become increasingly common in the United States.
blackout black·out (blāk'out')
n.
Temporary loss of consciousness due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
Temporary loss of memory.
