blank out

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The phrase "blank out" can be understood in a few different ways. Let’s break it down for you:

Basic Definition

1. To hide or remove information: This means that certain details are cut out or not shown, often for reasons like privacy or security. For example, in a report, sensitive information might be "blanked out."
2. To forget or not remember something: This means you suddenly cannot remember something you usually know, like a name or a fact.

Usage Instructions

• Verb Form: "Blank out" is used as a verb. You can say "I blanked out" to indicate that you forgot something, or "The information was blanked out" to indicate that something was removed or hidden.

Examples

1. Hiding Information:
   • "In the document, personal details were blanked out to protect people's privacy."
2. Forgetting:
   • "During the exam, I blanked out on the answer to the last question."

Advanced Usage

• In formal contexts, "blank out" might be used in discussions about censorship or data protection, indicating that certain parts of a document are intentionally removed.
• In psychology or medical contexts, people might talk about "blanking out" during stressful situations, meaning they cannot recall events that happened during that time.

Word Variants

• Blanked out (past tense): "He blanked out during the presentation."
• Blanks out (present tense): "She often blanks out when she is nervous."

Different Meanings

• Blank out can also refer to a temporary state of confusion or mental blocks, often experienced during exams or stressful situations.

Synonyms

• For removing information: Censor, redact.
• For forgetting: Forget, zone out, space out.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Draw a blank: This phrase means to be unable to remember something at all. For example, "I tried to recall her name, but I drew a blank."
• Space out: This means to become distracted or lose focus, similar to blanking out mentally.

Summary

"Blank out" is a versatile phrase that can refer to both the act of hiding information and the experience of forgetting something.

Academic

Verb

1. cut out, as for political reasons
   • several line in the report were blanked out
2. be unable to remember
   • I'm drawing a blank
   • You are blocking the name of your first wife!

Synonyms

• forget
• block
• draw a blank