brick

brick · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln, used in building.

  2. 2.

    Made of bricks.

  3. 3.

    To block or wall up with bricks.

  4. 4.

    (informal) A reliable, dependable person.

  5. 5.

    (slang) To render an electronic device inoperable.

  6. 6.

    (slang) A large, heavy mobile phone.

Forms

plural: bricks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hit a brick wall — to encounter an insurmountable obstacle
  • •
    like a ton of bricks — with great force or sudden impact
  • •
    brick by brick — gradually, one step at a time
  • •
    drop a brick — to make an embarrassing mistake
  • •
    thick as a brick — very stupid

Related words

See also: block, bricks, stone
Synonyms: block, stone

Etymology

From Middle Dutch "bricke" or Middle Low German "brike," possibly related to "break" (as in broken pieces of clay).