Meaning & use
black bloc
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
a group of protesters who wear black clothing and masks to hide their identities and often use confrontational tactics
Grammar: Used as a singular or plural noun. Often preceded by 'the': The black bloc was blamed for the violence.
Patterns
- the black bloc
- a black bloc
- members of the black bloc
Police said the black bloc was responsible for the broken windows.
The black bloc marched at the front of the demonstration.
Some protesters distanced themselves from the black bloc.
noununcountable
a tactic of wearing all black and covering one's face during a protest to avoid being identified
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun when referring to the tactic itself: They used black bloc to protect themselves.
Patterns
- use black bloc
- adopt black bloc
The group decided to use black bloc as a way to stay anonymous.
Black bloc has been used at protests around the world.
Word forms
| plural | black blocs |
|---|
Common combinations
- black bloc tactics
- The police were prepared for black bloc tactics.
- black bloc protesters
- Black bloc protesters clashed with police outside the summit.
- a member of the black bloc
- He was identified as a member of the black bloc.
- black bloc violence
- The media focused on the black bloc violence rather than the peaceful march.
Synonyms and how they differ
- anarchist group
- Not all black bloc participants are anarchists, and not all anarchists use black bloc tactics. This is a broader term.
Commonly confused: black bloc or black block?
black bloc vs black block
'Black block' is a misspelling. The correct spelling is 'black bloc' (from French 'bloc').
Practice
What is a 'black bloc'?
Choose one answer.
A black bloc is a protest tactic or group where people dress in black and cover their faces. The other options are unrelated.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “black bloc”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.