Blackout: meaning, definitions and examples
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blackout
[ ˈblakˌaʊt ]
power outage
A blackout refers to a complete loss of electrical power in a specific area. This can be caused by various factors such as severe weather conditions, equipment failure, or intentional actions. During a blackout, all electrical devices stop working, leading to disruption in daily activities.
Synonyms
brownout, electricity failure, power outage
Examples of usage
- The city experienced a blackout last night due to a severe storm.
- During the blackout, people had to rely on candles for light.
memory loss
In a medical context, a blackout can also refer to a temporary loss of consciousness or memory. This can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption or a medical condition. During a blackout, the individual may not remember events that occurred during that time.
Synonyms
amnesia, loss of consciousness, memory lapse
Examples of usage
- He had a blackout after drinking too much at the party.
- She experienced blackouts as a result of her medical condition.
to lose consciousness
To blackout as a verb means to lose consciousness suddenly. This can happen due to various reasons such as extreme fatigue, emotional distress, or physical injury. When someone blacks out, they may not remember what happened during that period of unconsciousness.
Synonyms
faint, lose consciousness, pass out
Examples of usage
- The athlete blacked out after a hard fall during the game.
- She blacked out from exhaustion after working long hours.
Translations
Translations of the word "blackout" in other languages:
🇵🇹 apagão
🇮🇳 बिजली गुल
🇩🇪 Stromausfall
🇮🇩 pemadaman listrik
🇺🇦 відключення електрики
🇵🇱 zaciemnienie
🇯🇵 停電 (ていでん)
🇫🇷 coupure de courant
🇪🇸 apagón
🇹🇷 elektrik kesintisi
🇰🇷 정전
🇸🇦 انقطاع التيار الكهربائي
🇨🇿 výpadek proudu
🇸🇰 výpadok prúdu
🇨🇳 停电 (tíngdiàn)
🇸🇮 izpad elektrike
🇮🇸 rafmagnsleysi
🇰🇿 электр қуатының өшуі
🇬🇪 ელექტროენერგიის გათიშვა
🇦🇿 elektrik kəsilməsi
🇲🇽 apagón
Word origin
The term 'blackout' originated in the early 20th century, initially used to describe the extinguishing of lights for military purposes during World War II to avoid detection by enemy aircraft. Over time, the term expanded to include the loss of electrical power in civilian contexts. The word 'blackout' carries connotations of sudden darkness and the loss of awareness, reflecting its historical and modern usage.
See also: black, blackbird, blackboard, blacken, blackened, blackening, blackhead, blacklist, blackmail, blackness.