blackout

noun8

1. •
   A large-scale power failure, and resulting loss of electricity to consumers.
2. •
   A temporary loss of consciousness.
3. •
   An instance of censorship, especially a temporary one.

   • According to a press release issued by the clinic staff, a blackout by the local press had kept the public uninformed about the clinic's harassment. — 1983
4. •
   [before a noun] The blocking out of as much light as possible.

   • blackout blinds; blackout curtains
5. •
   (historical) The mandatory blocking of all light emanating from buildings, as well as outdoor and street lighting as a measure against aerial bombing or naval attack, as imposed during, e.g., World War II.

   • During the "blackout", many real cars and lorries had their front wings painted white, in order to avoid accidents. — 1971
6. •
   A temporary loss of memory.
7. •
   (Internet) An intentional outage of a website or other online service, typically as a form of protest.
8. •
   (slang, rare) A mass murder committed, usually in an urban area, to eliminate potential witnesses of a previous crime.