blank out

To suddenly be unable to remember something for a short time.

• I blanked out during the test.
• She blanked out when someone asked her name.
• Do you ever blank out while giving a speech?

How to use it: blank out during something (I blanked out during the interview.)

Similar words: go blank, draw a blank

Common phrases: blank out completely, blank out briefly, blank out during something

To remove words or pictures and leave empty spaces where they were.

• Blank out your name.
• She blanked out three words on the page.
• Can you blank the faces out of this picture?

How to use it: blank something out (Please blank your address out before sharing the form.)

Similar words: erase, remove

Common phrases: blank out words, blank out names

To become empty of writing, pictures, or other visible information.

• The screen blanked out.
• The display blanks out when the signal fails.
• The writing on the special paper blanked out as it cooled.

Similar words: go blank

Common phrases: blank out suddenly, blank out completely, blank out briefly

To stop remembering something painful or unpleasant.

• She blanked out that terrible day.
• He had blanked out much of his childhood.
• Do you sometimes blank out painful memories?

How to use it: blank something out (He blanked the accident out of his memory.)

Similar words: block out, forget

Opposites: remember

Common phrases: blank out memories, blank out something

To remove an effect or advantage by producing an equal, opposite effect.

• Their goal blanked out our lead.
• A late penalty blanked out the opening goal.
• The visitors hoped to blank out our early advantage.

Similar words: cancel out, neutralize

Common phrases: blank out something, blank out advantage