Blank Word Meaning

Middle English (in the sense ‘white, colourless’): from Old French blanc ‘white’, ultimately of Germanic origin

(of a surface or background) unrelieved by decorative or other features; bare, empty, or plain

bare or plain

• a blank wall
• the screen went blank

showing a lack of comprehension or reaction

not comprehending or reacting

• we were met by blank looks

complete; absolute (used emphatically with negative force)

complete or absolute

• he was met with a blank refusal to discuss the issue

used euphemistically in place of an adjective regarded as obscene, profane, or abusive

used in place of obscene or abusive adjective

• show the miserable blank-blank Englishman how to fight this war

a space left to be filled in a document

space left to be filled in

• leave blanks to type in the appropriate names

a cartridge containing gunpowder but no bullet, used for training or as a signal.

cartridge with no bullet

an empty space or period of time, especially in terms of a lack of knowledge or understanding

empty space or period

• my mind was a total blank

a piece of metal or wood intended for further shaping or finishing.

unfinished block

a dash written instead of a word or letter, especially instead of an obscenity or profanity.

dash

make (something) blank or empty

make blank

• electronic countermeasures blanked out the radar signals

defeat (a sports team) without allowing them to score

defeat team without conceding goal or point

• Baltimore blanked Toronto in a 7–0 victory

deliberately ignore (someone)

deliberately ignore

• I just blanked them and walked out