Blackouts, whether referring to power interruptions or information suppression, play an important role in both the practical and cultural history of many societies. While the causes and effects of blackouts vary, their impact is often profound, affecting daily life, safety, and the flow of information. The term continues to evolve, with new meanings emerging in different contexts, particularly in the digital age where "blackout" may also refer to internet outages or the deliberate suppression of online content.
blackout in English
- blackout⇄adj. limiting or prohibiting use of a special offer for travel or recreation.
Ex. Restrictions and blackout dates may apply (New York Times). - blackout⇄blackout, noun, adjective.
- blackout⇄noun 1a. the action of turning off or concealing all the lights of a city or other area as a protection against an air raid.
b. the condition of having no electricity as the result of a power failure.
Ex. Excessive use of air conditioners ca
blackout in Hindi हिन्दी
blackout in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
Blackout
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈblakˌaʊt/
Definitions
- **Noun**: A period of time during which all lights or electrical power are turned off, often due to an emergency or power failure.
- **Noun**: A temporary loss of consciousness, memory, or awareness, often due to shock or trauma.
- **Verb**: To turn off or cut off the electrical power supply to an area or system.
- **Verb**: To suppress or censor information, such as news or reports, from being made public.
Usage Examples
- During the storm, the city experienced a complete blackout that lasted for several hours.
- The soldier's blackout during the battle was attributed to exhaustion and stress.
- The government attempted to blackout media coverage of the protests.
Etymology
The term "blackout" emerged in the early 20th century, combining "black" (indicating darkness or lack of light) with "out" (indicating cessation). The word originally referred to the intentional dimming of lights during wartime to prevent enemy air raids, but has since evolved to encompass other meanings related to power outages and information suppression.
Synonyms
- Outage
- Power failure
- Darkness
- Blanking
- Censorship
Antonyms
- Light
- Illumination
- Visibility
- Enlightenment
- Disclosure
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | बिजली कटौती | bijli katoti |
| Spanish | Apagón | ah-pah-gon |
| French | Blackout | blak-owt |
| German | Stromausfall | sh-troh-mow-sfal |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 停电 | tíngdiàn |
| Italian | Blackout | blak-owt |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British: /ˈblakˌaʊt/
- American: /ˈblakˌaʊt/
Historical Usage
The concept of a "blackout" originated during World War II when cities in Europe and North America were instructed to dim or turn off lights to avoid being targeted by enemy bombers. Over time, the term expanded to include both power outages and the suppression of information during wartime or political unrest.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, blackouts are associated with crises, power failures, or emergencies. During wartime, blackouts were seen as a necessity for survival, while in modern times, they are more often viewed as an inconvenience or a failure of infrastructure. The term "blackout" can also refer to attempts to suppress or control information, especially in political or authoritarian contexts.