Blocking may refer to:

Science, technology, and mathematics

Computing and telecommunications

Blacklist (computing) In computing, a blacklist, disallowlist, blocklist, or denylist is a basic access control mechanism that allows through all elements (email addresses, users, passwords, URLs, IP addresses, domain names, file hashes, etc.), except those explicit ...

Blocking (computing) In computing, a process is an instance of a computer program that is being executed. A process always exists in exactly one process state. A process that is blocked is one that is waiting for some event, such as a resource becoming available or t ...

, holding up a task until an event occurs *

Blocking (radio) In radio, and wireless communications Wireless communication (or just wireless, when the context allows) is the transfer of information between two or more points without the use of an electrical conductor, optical fiber or other continuous gui ...

, interference by an off-frequency signal *

Blocking probability The erlang (symbol E) is a dimensionless unit that is used in telephony as a measure of offered load or carried load on service-providing elements such as telephone circuits or telephone switching equipment. A single cord circuit has the capac ...

, for calls in a telecommunications system *

Head-of-line blocking Head-of-line blocking (HOL blocking) in computer networking is a performance-limiting phenomenon that occurs when a line of packets is held up in a queue by a first packet. Examples include input buffered network switches, out-of-order delivery and ...

, in some network switching fabrics *Internet blocking; see

Block (Internet) On the Internet, a block or ban is a technical measure intended to restrict access to information or resources. Blocking and its inverse, unblocking, may be implemented by the owners of computers using software. Some countries, notably China a ...

Psychology

Thought blocking Thought blocking is a type of thought disorder in which a person will suddenly and involuntarily fall silent, or abruptly change to another subject. When thought blocking, some people may express themselves in a manner that is not understandable t ...

, a type of thought disorder * Blocking effect, in psychology *

Mental block ''Mental Block'' is a Canadian comedy TV series, which premiered September 1, 2003 on YTV. It is created and written by Leila Basen and David Preston and directed by Sean Dwyer and Michael Kennedy. The show revolves around thirteen-year-old ...

, a type of suppression or repression

Other uses in science

Blocking (linguistics) In linguistics, blocking refers to the morphological phenomenon in which a possible form for a word cannot surface because it is "blocked" by another form whose features are the most appropriate to the surface form's environment. More basically, i ...

, where the existence of a competing form blocks the application of a morphological process *

Blocking (statistics) In the statistical theory of the design of experiments, blocking is the arranging of experimental units in groups (blocks) that are similar to one another. Blocking can be used to tackle the problem of pseudoreplication. Use Blocking reduces un ...

, in the design of experiments, the arranging of experimental units in groups (blocks) which are similar to one another *

Atmospheric blocking Blocks in meteorology are large-scale patterns in the atmospheric pressure field that are nearly stationary, effectively "blocking" or redirecting migratory cyclones. They are also known as blocking highs or blocking anticyclones.Glossary of Mete ...

, a phenomenon in meteorology of large scale stationary pressure cells *Blocking, in the

western blot The western blot (sometimes called the protein immunoblot), or western blotting, is a widely used analytical technique in molecular biology and immunogenetics to detect specific proteins in a sample of tissue homogenate or extract. Besides detect ...

technique, a process to prevent unwanted binding of antibodies to a membrane

Other technologies

Blocking (construction) Blocking ( dwang, nog, noggin, and nogging) is the use of short pieces of dimensional lumber in wood framed construction to brace longer members or to provide grounds for fixings. Uses The primary purpose of blocking is to brace longer frame m ...

, short boards used as reinforcement or to provide attachment points in wood-framed and other forms of construction

Sport

Blocking (American football) In American football, blocking or interference (or running interference) involves legal movements in which one player uses his body to obstruct another player's path. The purpose of blocking is to prevent defensive players from tackling the ball c ...

, the legal interference with another player's motion *

Blocking (martial arts) In martial arts, blocking is the act of stopping or deflecting an opponent's attack for the purpose of preventing injurious contact with the body. A block usually consists of placing a limb across the line of the attack. Examples in specific ar ...

, a defensive technique in martial arts

Theatre and film

Blocking (stage) In theatre, blocking is the precise staging of actors to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera. Historically, the expectations of staging/blocking have changed substantially over time in Western theater. Prior to the movemen ...

, the movement and positioning of actors on a stage, or within a frame in film *

Blocking (animation) Blocking is an animation technique in which key poses are created to establish timing and placement of characters and props in a given scene or shot. This technique is most commonly used in 3D computer animation, where it is sometimes referred t ...

, a technique in which key poses establish timing and placement of items in a scene

Other uses

Blocking (textile arts) In knitting, crochet and other textile arts, blocking is a final stage of handmade textile production that adjusts the shape of the finished piece. Not all pieces need blocking; however, blocking is standard for lace work and is not uncommon in sw ...

, the process of stretching a knitted garment into shape while wet or using steam *

Blocking (transport) In public transport Public transport (also known as public transportation, public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) is a system of transport for passengers by group travel systems available for use by the general public unlike p ...

, the process of dividing a transit schedule into parts that can be operated by a single vehicle *Blocking troops - military

barrier troops Barrier troops, blocking units, or anti-retreat forces are military units that are located in the rear or on the front line (behind the main forces) to maintain military discipline, prevent the flight of servicemen from the battlefield, capture spi ...

positioned to forestall unauthorised retreats