n.
Pronunciation: ' blak- ˌ au ̇ t
Function: noun
Date: 1913
1 a : a turning off of the stage lighting to separate scenes in a play or end a play or skit also : a skit that ends with a blackout b : a period of darkness enforced as a precaution against air raids c : a period of darkness (as in a city) caused by a failure of electrical power
2 : a transient dulling or loss of vision, consciousness, or memory <an alcoholic blackout >
3 a : a wiping out : OBLITERATION b : a blotting out by censorship : SUPPRESSION <a news blackout >
4 : a usually temporary loss of a radio signal
5 : the prohibition or restriction of the telecasting of a sports event
6 : a time during which a special commercial offer (as of tickets) is not valid ― usually used attributively < blackout dates>