What does the phrasal verb “blank out” mean?

What are the definitions of “blank out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Censor text so that words cannot be read.

  The email addresses were BLANKED OUT in the documents shown to the court.

• 2. Have a temporary memory failure.

  I was so nervous in the interview that I just BLANKED OUT and couldn't answer their questions properly.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “blank out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb blank out is to censor or hide text so that it cannot be read. This is often done to protect sensitive information or maintain privacy. Another common meaning is to have a temporary memory failure, often due to stress or nervousness.

What are the different verb forms of “blank out”?

Root Verb	blank out
Third Person Singular Present	blanks out
Present Participle	blanking out
Simple Past	blanked out
Past Participle	blanked out

Example

The company decided to blank out all the sensitive information in the report.

Example

She blanks out the names of the people involved in the case.

Example

He is blanking out the confidential data before sharing the document.

Example

I blanked out during the test and couldn't remember anything.

Example

The personal details were blanked out in the public version of the report.

What kind of phrasal verb is “blank out”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“blank out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The editor blanked out the offensive words in the article.

Example

I blanked out during the presentation and forgot what I was going to say.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“blank out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The editor blanked out the offensive words in the article.

Example

I blanked out during the presentation and forgot what I was going to say.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “blank out”?

Blank out on something

To suddenly forget something, especially due to stress or nervousness.

Example

I blanked out on the answer to the final question during the quiz.

Blank out a memory

To intentionally forget or suppress a memory, often because it is painful or traumatic.

Example

She tried to blank out the memory of the accident, but it kept haunting her.

Good things to know

Does “blank out” have an informal or formal tone?

Blank out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in legal documents or professional reports.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “blank out”?

Synonyms

• censor
• redact
• omit
• hide
• conceal
• forget
• obscure
• erase
• suppress

Antonyms

• reveal
• expose
• uncover
• disclose
• remember
• recall
• retain