This feature would allow users to temporarily "block" a contact without severing the connection permanently or notifying the other person.

The easiest way to manage your blocked list is through the Google Chat web interface or your Gmail inbox. Open Google Chat or Gmail in your web browser.

Panic flickered. She switched to her phone, opening the Gmail app, tapping the Chat tab at the bottom. She swiped through her recent conversations. Mark’s thread was gone—vanished like a ghost.

If you haven't deleted the chat thread and just archived or blocked them, you can find them in your list.

They can see your online status and when you were last active.

Click on the Settings (gear icon) located in the top right corner of the screen.

Then, his reply: “You blocked me over a ‘K’?”

Do you need to unblock someone from a specifically?