What does occlude mean?
To occlude is to block or hide something from view, often by placing an object, person, or natural feature between the observer and the thing being hidden. The word can also mean to prevent something from being heard, understood, or received, although this use is less common. “Occlude” is especially associated with formal and technical language: an eclipse occurs when the Moon occludes the Sun's light, and a dense cloud can occlude a distant object. In ordinary conversation, “hide” or “block” will usually sound more natural, but “occlude” is useful when emphasizing a physical obstruction or a complete interruption of visibility. The related noun “occlusion” names the act or condition of blocking or concealing something.
verbTo block the passage or view of light, an object, or a person, so that something is hidden from sight. It can also mean to prevent something from being seen, heard, understood, or received.
- To block the passage of light or prevent something from being seen by placing an object or other obstruction in front of it.
- To hide, conceal, or prevent from being seen, heard, understood, or received.
- To block or obstruct a passage, view, or route.
"The heavy curtains occluded the afternoon sunlight."
"The mountain occluded the road from view."
"The report was occluded by concerns about the privacy of the individuals involved."
A total solar eclipse is called an eclipse because the Moon temporarily occludes the Sun's light, turning a familiar daylight scene into darkness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does occlude come from?
The verb comes from Latin “occludere,” formed from “ob-” (“against” or “in the way of”) and “claudere” (“to close”). It entered English in the 16th century, initially in senses connected with shutting or closing something off. English cognates include “include,” “exclude,” “conclude,” and “seclude,” all of which involve the Latin root “claudere.” The modern sense of blocking a view developed naturally from the older meanings of closing or intercepting.
Related word forms
How occlude is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. In technical contexts, especially astronomy, medicine, and physics, it is used to describe an object's blocking another object, light, or a signal. The related noun “occlusion” is especially common in descriptions of visual obstruction, dental care, and eclipse events.
Easily confused with occlude
To occlude something is to physically block it from view, whereas to obscure something can mean to hide its details or make it difficult to understand.