blackout
Noun
UK/ˈblæk.aʊt/US/ˈblæk.aʊt/
A temporary loss of consciousness or memory; a period when power or communication is interrupted; or an official suppression of information or media coverage.
Example Sentences
The sudden blackout left the entire neighborhood without power for hours.
She had a brief blackout and couldn't recall the moments before she fainted.
During the war, a mandatory blackout was enforced to prevent enemy aircraft from spotting lit-up cities at night.
Local shops closed early when the unexpected blackout swept through the area.
There was a news blackout on the sensitive topic, so journalists were barred from reporting any details.
He couldn't remember anything after the party, blaming it on an alcohol-induced blackout that deeply worried his friends, prompting them to check on his well-being.
Residents lit candles and gathered together for warmth and company during the prolonged blackout, creating a makeshift community space in a neighbor’s living room.
Stuck without electricity for several hours, people realized how dependent they were on modern conveniences, and many began discussing ways to prepare for future blackouts.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A temporary loss of consciousness or electrical power.“Blackout” is most often used as a noun describing a sudden loss of power or consciousness. For example, you might experience a blackout during a severe storm that disrupts the electrical grid, plunging your home into darkness. Similarly, people may speak of blackouts in the sense of fainting or losing memory—an individual might say, “I had a complete blackout and don’t remember what happened.” In a medical context, blackouts can stem from low blood pressure, head trauma, or other health issues.In everyday life, you could refer to a local blackout if the city’s power fails, leaving traffic lights off and shops temporarily closed. Sports or entertainment venues sometimes have “blackout dates” for broadcasting restrictions, meaning those events can’t be shown on local TV. In more metaphorical use, someone might say, “My mind went into a blackout,” to convey panic or a sudden inability to recall information.While “blackout” functions chiefly as a noun, you might see the phrasal verb “to black out” meaning “to lose consciousness,” such as in “He blacked out after running a marathon.” Though closely related, “blackout” itself remains a distinct term that concisely conveys a breakdown—whether in memory, power grids, or broadcast availability. In formal writing, clarify which type of blackout you mean, like “electrical blackout” for power loss or “alcohol-related blackout” for memory loss, ensuring readers understand the specific context. This precision helps distinguish it from other abrupt disruptions (such as ‘brownouts,’ which involve partial rather than complete power loss). Overall, “blackout” is a versatile, impactful word that underscores a stark, sudden interruption in normal function.
Alternatives
If you’re discussing a sudden loss of power, you could use “power outage” or “electricity cut” to clarify that it’s specifically about losing electricity. For partial reductions in voltage or service, “brownout” might be a better choice. If you want an alternative term for losing consciousness, “faint,” “pass out,” or “lose consciousness” convey similar ideas but lack the dramatic flair of “blackout.” In references to forgetting or having no recall of events, “memory lapse” or “amnesia” can work, though these can imply different medical or psychological nuances. For sports broadcasting restrictions, “broadcast restriction” or “transmission blackout” might fit more formal contexts. By selecting a term that matches the degree and context of disruption—whether total or partial, physical or psychological—you keep your meaning accurate and your tone appropriate. This ensures clarity when discussing anything from personal health incidents to infrastructural issues or scheduled broadcast limitations.
Writing
When writing about blackouts, be sure to define the type—electrical, medical, or metaphorical—early on so your readers aren’t confused. If focusing on power losses, outline possible causes (like storms or grid failures) and potential impacts (traffic issues, closure of essential services, or reliance on generators). When describing medical blackouts, provide context on triggers, such as dehydration or low blood pressure, and the potential urgency of the situation. For metaphorical or psychological blackouts, clearly convey the emotional or mental state, showing how the individual felt disoriented or alarmed.Include concrete examples or brief anecdotes to help readers visualize the scenario: “During the weeklong blackout, the neighborhood came together to share resources, cooking on outdoor grills and using flashlights after sundown.” If you touch on historical or large-scale blackouts, you might mention well-known incidents—like the Northeast Blackout of 2003—detailing consequences and emergency responses. This approach provides depth, fosters reader empathy, and underscores the severity or significance of the blackout. By weaving in descriptive elements and relevant data, you create a compelling narrative that highlights how an abrupt cessation of power or consciousness can profoundly impact daily life and emotional well-being.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “blackout” often comes up when people share experiences of losing electricity: “Remember that blackout last summer? We all had to light candles and dig out our board games!” It can be a funny memory if people adapted in creative ways—like cooking dinner on a camping stove or telling stories by flashlight. When talking about fainting spells or alcohol-induced blackouts, the tone might turn more serious or cautionary: “He had a blackout after partying too hard, so we made sure to stay with him until he was safe.”You can also hear the phrase “to black out” in casual chats about nerves or forgetting: “I nearly blacked out during that big presentation!” While it typically implies something sudden or frightening, everyday usage might downplay the severity to convey a stressful or overwhelming moment. If your friend is telling you about a local blackout, they might focus on what they did for entertainment or how they coped without Wi-Fi. Keep the context in mind: blackouts can be comedic anecdotes or serious emergencies, depending on the details. In daily exchanges, a relaxed approach often suits, highlighting shared experiences or lessons learned, though it’s still good to acknowledge the potential risks or inconveniences involved.
Etymology
The term “blackout” initially emerged in the early 20th century, tied to power and lighting restrictions. One notable historical use was during wartime: “blackouts” referred to enforced darkening of cities at night to prevent enemy bombers from spotting targets. Residents covered windows and streetlights were turned off, plunging entire areas into darkness. This practice was especially notable in World War II, where blackouts were crucial for civilian safety.Over time, “blackout” expanded in meaning to describe not just literal darkening but also abrupt, often complete interruptions in normal operations. From radio and television blackouts to memory lapses, the word adapted to any scenario of sudden cessation—emotional, cognitive, or physical. Today, the term remains versatile, resonating with ideas of emptiness, secrecy, or enforced silence (such as a “news blackout”). Its evolving usage underscores how language shifts to encompass broader contexts while retaining the original imagery of swift, enveloping darkness.
