Vocabulary Spotlight
Blackball
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To exclude or vote against someone in a social, professional, or other context; to ostracize.
“He was blackballed from the club after his actions brought disrepute.”
Pronunciation
[blak-bawl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Exclude
Reject
Ban
Boycott
Antonyms
Accept
Welcome
Admit
Embrace
Related Words
Censure
Disapproval
Word Origin
The term “blackball” comes from voting practices in clubs, where a black ball cast against a candidate indicated rejection. The practice dates back to the 18th century and symbolizes exclusion or rejection.
Word Family
Noun: Blackballing – The act of excluding or rejecting someone.
Related Verb: Ostracize – To exclude from a group or society.
Mnemonics
Think of “Blackball” as “Black + Ball” — envision a black ball cast in a vote box, symbolizing rejection or disapproval.
Industry-specific Usage
Clubs and Organizations
“Blackballing” is used when a member is rejected or excluded based on a vote or decision by the group.
Politics
The term can refer to political figures being ostracized or marginalized due to their actions or stances.
Business
In business, “blackballing” may refer to being blacklisted or excluded from industry events or deals.
In Context
To “blackball” someone implies deliberate exclusion, often based on collective disapproval. It reflects the power dynamics within groups and the ways dissent or rejection is expressed.