verb · C2

Occlude

uh-KLOOD/əˈkluːd/

To occlude is to block or close a passage, opening, or view (formal / technical): occlude an artery, occlude the light. Block and obstruct (already in the dictionary) are everyday and wider. Occlusion is the noun, also of teeth meeting. Do not occlude the only marked exit and call it security.

Meaning

To block or close up a passage, opening, or view (formal / technical).

Examples

“A locked fire door occludes the only marked exit.”
“Block is everyday. Obstruct is close (already in the dictionary). Clog is of pipes. Occlude is the tighter clinical and formal verb: a vessel, a window, a path. A chained exit is a finding, not a metaphor. Unlock the door; then write the risk.”

Good to know

Block; shut off (formal / technical). Everyday: block. Close: obstruct (already in this dictionary). A fire door is not a lockable exhibit.

Near in meaning

block

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