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blackout

 - 4 dictionary results

black⋅out

  [blak-out]
Use blackout in a Sentence
–noun
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.
a. the extinguishing of all stage lights, as in closing a vaudeville skit or separating the scenes of a play.
b. Also called blackout skit. a skit ending in a blackout.
4. Pathology.
a. temporary loss of consciousness or vision: She suffered a blackout from the blow on the head.
b. a period of total memory loss, as one induced by an accident or prolonged alcoholic drinking: The patient cannot account for the bizarre things he did during his blackout.
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.
Origin:
1910–15; n. use of v. phrase black out
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To blackout
black·out   (blāk'out')   
n.  

  1. A cutoff of electrical power, especially as a result of a shortage, a mechanical failure, or overuse by consumers.

  2. The concealment or extinguishment of lights that might be visible to enemy aircraft during an air raid.

    1. The sudden extinguishment of all stage lights in a theater to indicate the passage of time or to mark the end of an act or scene.

    2. A short, comic vaudeville skit that ends with lights off.

    3. A suppression, as of news, by censorship.

    4. Restriction or prohibition of telecasting a sports event in order to ensure ticket sales.

  4. A temporary loss of memory or consciousness.

    1. A suppression, as of news, by censorship.

    2. Restriction or prohibition of telecasting a sports event in order to ensure ticket sales.

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 American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: black·out
Pronunciation: 'blak-"aut
Function: noun
: a transient dulling or loss of vision, consciousness, or memory blackout> —compare GRAYOUT, REDOUT
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

blackout black·out (blāk'out')
n.

  1. Temporary loss of consciousness due to decreased blood flow to the brain.

  2. Temporary loss of memory.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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