Well idc about the semantics, the fact is it is useful and there is a good reason to use it. Personally I think the “they can’t see or reply to you anymore” style of “block” is super toxic and Reddit switching to that model was a major factor in its decline. It is very easily weaponized and basically amounts to giving powerusers moderation powers. If someone who makes a lot of popular posts or top level comments blocks you under that model, that instantly limits your ability to participate, and no one ever gets to know this is happening or to what extent. The most obvious way this gets abused is by commercial spammers trying to monopolize relevant subs by blocking everyone who may call them out or post competing content, but it also shuts down disagreement and debate; if you have something controversial to say and don’t want it to look like any good objections exist, you can just silence your best critics. It also gets commonly used by people right after they write an inflammatory reply to ensure they get the last word.