Yes, it is possible to block or cancel out sound waves with other sound waves through a phenomenon called "destructive interference." Destructive interference occurs when two waves of equal frequency and amplitude, but with opposite phases, meet and combine. In this case, if a sound wave and an identical sound wave with inverted phase (180 degrees out of phase) encounter each other, they can interfere destructively and cancel each other out, resulting in a reduction or complete elimination of the sound.
This principle is used in active noise control systems, also known as noise-canceling technology. These systems use microphones to pick up the ambient sound, analyze its characteristics, and generate sound waves with opposite phases to the original sound. When these generated sound waves are emitted, they interfere destructively with the original sound, effectively reducing its intensity or canceling it out in specific areas. This technology is commonly found in noise-canceling headphones, where the headphones generate sound waves that counteract and attenuate external noises, providing a quieter listening experience.