고 막다

block it, hold it back

막다 is stopping something from getting through — an opponent in a game (이 악물고 막는 종국, Jongkook blocking with his teeth gritted), a country's trade (러시아도 막고 중국도 막고), an entry barrier. The -고 clause chains on whatever accompanies the blocking. Keep it apart from the passive 막히다, which is what a blocked road or drain does.

Register: neutral