Stopping or Starting

to stop something from proceeding by creating a barrier

The security team worked hard to block the intruders out.

to free oneself from a place that one is being held against their will, such as a prison

The prisoners attempted to break out during the night.

to suddenly and forcefully break and release what is inside

The watermelon burst out when he dropped it on the floor.

to naturally lose interest or stop doing something, especially a habit or behavior, as one matures or gets older

Most teenagers go through a phase of rebellion, but they eventually grow out of it.

to stop somebody or something from entering a specific area or place

We need to keep the intruders out of the building by securing all entrances.

to prevent someone from getting involved in a particular situation, matter, etc.

Parents often try to keep their children out of trouble.

to prevent someone from entering a place by securing the entrance with a lock

The security guard locked out the group of protesters who were trying to enter the government building.

to prevent something from occurring or someone from doing something

Proper training and precautions help rule out injuries on the sports field.

to start a journey

They set out on their road trip as soon as the sun rose.

to intentionally avoid paying attention to something so that it does not effect one in a negative way

Sarah tried to shut out the negative comments and focus on her goals.

to forcefully end something, often a negative or undesirable situation

The community decided to take action and stamp graffiti out of their neighborhood.

to begin taking the early steps regarding an action, project, or goal

She started out her painting by sketching the basic outlines on the canvas.

(in basketball) to position oneself between an opponent and the basket to secure a rebound

He used his strength to box out the taller player.