blocker
UK: ˈblɒkə | US: ˈblɑːkər
n. 1. A person or thing that blocks or obstructs.
n. 2. (Sports) A player who blocks opponents.
n. 3. (Computing) A program or device that prevents access or execution.
blocker = block<to obstruct> + er<agent noun suffix>
- block: From Middle English blok, from Old French bloc ("log, block"), likely of Germanic origin (compare Old High German bloh). Originally referred to a solid piece of wood, later extended to mean "obstruction."
- er: A suffix forming agent nouns (e.g., "teacher," "runner"), from Old English -ere, Proto-Germanic -ārijaz.
Etymology Origin:
The word "blocker" emerged in the 16th century, combining "block" (an obstruction) with the agentive suffix "-er." Its evolution mirrors the shift from physical blocking (e.g., logs) to abstract hindrance (e.g., sports, technology). The Germanic root blok reflects the tangible origins of the concept.
The defender acted as a blocker, stopping the opponent's advance.
This ad blocker prevents pop-ups from appearing on your screen.
She installed a sun blocker to reduce glare in her office.
The medication works as a pain blocker for chronic conditions.
The firewall serves as a malware blocker for the network.