blackout
UK: ˈblækaʊt | US: ˈblækaʊt
n. a temporary loss of electricity, consciousness, or memory
n. an act of suppressing information (e.g., media blackout)
n. a period of darkness enforced during wartime to conceal lights from enemies
The word "blackout" emerged in the early 20th century, combining "black" (Old English blæc, meaning "dark") and "out" (Old English ūt, meaning "external" or "absence"). Initially used for electrical failures (1920s), it later expanded to wartime darkness (WWII) and memory lapses (e.g., alcohol-induced). The logic reflects a vivid metaphor: darkness ("black") overriding normal function ("out").
The storm caused a citywide blackout for several hours.
During the blackout, all streetlights were turned off to avoid enemy detection.
He experienced a blackout after the accident and couldn’t recall the details.
The media blackout prevented news of the protest from spreading.
Pilots train to handle cockpit blackouts during emergencies.