blackout: Meaning and Definition of

black•out

1. the extinguishing or concealment of all visible lights in a city, military post, etc., usually as a precaution against air raids.
2. a period during a massive power failure when the lack of electricity for illumination results in utter darkness except from emergency sources, as candles.
1. the extinguishing of all stage lights, as in closing a vaudeville skit or separating the scenes of a play.
2. Also calledblack&prim;out skit&sec;.a skit ending in a blackout.
4. She suffered a blackout from the blow on the head.
1. temporary loss of consciousness or vision:She suffered a blackout from the blow on the head.
2. a period of total memory loss, as one induced by an accident or prolonged alcoholic drinking:The patient cannot account for the bizarre things he did during his blackout.
5. a brief, passing lapse of memory: An actor may have an occasional blackout and forget a line or two.
6. complete stoppage of a communications medium, as by a strike, catastrophe, electrical storm, etc.: a newspaper blackout; a radio blackout.
7. a stoppage, suppression, or obliteration: a news blackout.
8. a period during which a special sales offer, fare rate, or other bargain is not available: The airline's discount on fares does not apply during the Christmas week blackout.
9. a prohibition that is imposed on the broadcasting of an event and has the purpose of encouraging or ensuring ticket sales.