blackball
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈblækˌbɔːl/
KK: /ˈblækˌbɔl/
noun
Definition
A vote that prevents someone from being accepted into a group or organization, often represented by a small black ball used in voting.
Example
The committee decided to blackball the applicant due to his previous behavior.
Conversation
Did you hear about the club's decision to blackball that new member?
Yeah, I found that really surprising!
I know, right? I wonder what led to the blackball in the first place.
Me too, it seems like there must be more to the story.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
vote
ballot
rejection
Antonyms
acceptance
approval
endorsement
transitive verb
Definition
To exclude someone from a group or organization, often by voting against them or refusing to allow them to participate.
Example
After the scandal, many members decided to blackball him from the club.
Tense Forms
Past: blackballed
Past Participle: blackballed
Conversation
Did you hear they might blackball him from the club?
Yeah, it's such a shame because he was really looking forward to joining.
I know! It's not fair to just blackball someone without giving them a chance.
Root Explanation
Blackball is formed from "black" (from Old English "blæc", meaning dark or without light) and "ball" (from Old French "balle", meaning a round object used in games). The term originally referred to the practice of voting against someone by placing a black ball in a ballot box, thus excluding them from a group or decision.
Memory Tip
Think of the color 'black' representing exclusion and 'ball' as a voting object — that's how 'blackball' means to vote against someone.
Visually Confused Words
backwall
backfall