bloc
noun /blɒk/
/blɑːk/
- a group of countries that work closely together because they have similar political interestsExtra Examples
- Eastern bloc countries
- A solid bloc of members supported the decision.
- There have been growing tensions within the trading bloc.
Collocations International relationsInternational relationsTradesee also en blocTopics Politicsc2- facilitate/regulate trade (with other countries)
- form/join a trading bloc
- live in/compete in a global/the world economy
- support/promote free trade
- adopt/call for/oppose protectionist measures
- erect/impose/reduce/remove trade barriers
- impose/lift/raise/eliminate import tariffs (on something)
- have/run a huge/large/growing trade surplus/deficit
- embrace/resist/drive globalization
- conduct/handle/talk about/discuss foreign policy
- pursue an aggressive/a hawkish foreign policy
- require/use/conduct diplomacy
- establish/break off/sever/restore diplomatic relations
- foster/promote/strengthen regional cooperation
- facilitate/achieve economic/political integration
- exercise/defend/protect/transfer/restore/regain national/state/full/limited sovereignty
- consolidate/extend/lose/retain your power (in the region)
- hold/maintain/change/alter/shift/be a shift in the balance of power (in the region)
- cause/create/open/expose/heal/repair a deep/growing/major/serious rift between X and Y
- have/hold/host/attend an international conference/an economic forum/a G20 summit
- launch a new round of global/multilateral/world trade negotiations
- send/head/lead/meet a high-level/an official/a trade delegation
- begin/start/continue/resume peace talks
- be committed to/be opposed to/disrupt/undermine/derail/sabotage the peace process
- negotiate/achieve a lasting political settlement
- broker/sign a peace deal/agreement/treaty
- be/constitute/pose a threat to global security
- compromise/endanger/protect national security
- justify/be in favour of/ (US English) be in favor of/be against military intervention
- threaten/authorize/launch/take/support/oppose unilateral/pre-emptive military action
- impose/enforce/lift/end economic sanctions/an arms embargo/a naval blockade
- close/protect/secure/patrol the border
- lead/be involved in a peacekeeping operation
- negotiate/announce a $15 billion aid package/an economic stimulus package
- send/provide/request/cut off military aid
- bring/provide emergency/humanitarian relief
- deliver/distribute medical supplies/(British English) food parcels/(North American English)food packages
- fund/run a foreign/a local/an international NGO
- reduce/eradicate child/global/world poverty
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- large
- solid
- substantial
- …
- in a/the bloc
- within a/the bloc
Word Originearly 20th cent.: from French, literally ‘block’.