World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBlackball
/ˈblæk.bɔːl/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To reject someone by casting a negative vote, typically in a secret ballot, or to socially or professionally ostracize someone.
"He was blackballed from the exclusive gentlemen's club after multiple members voiced objections."
- 1
A vote cast against someone to reject their membership or participation.
"A single blackball was enough to deny her application to the society."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the mid-18th century from the custom of voting against a candidate in a private club by depositing a black ball into a ballot box. Over time, the term expanded from private club voting rituals to general social ostracism and professional exclusion.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Blackball"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Blackball" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
exclure
Transliteration: /ɛks.klyʁ/
"Il a été exclu du club."
ausschließen
Transliteration: /ˈaʊ̯sˌʃliːsn̩/
"Er wurde aus dem Club ausgeschlossen."
escludere
Transliteration: /eˈsklu.de.re/
"È stato escluso dal circolo."
vetar
Transliteration: /beˈtaɾ/
"Fue vetado por los miembros del club."
vetar
Transliteration: /veˈtaɾ/
"Ele foi vetado pelo clube."
बहिष्कृत करना
Transliteration: bahishkrit karna
"उन्हें क्लब से बहिष्कृत कर दिया गया।"
排挤
Transliteration: pái jǐ
"他在俱乐部的投票中遭到排挤。"
배제하다
Transliteration: baejehada
"그는 사교클럽에서 배제되었습니다."
仲間外れにする
Transliteration: nakamahazure ni suru
"彼はそのクラブから排斥された。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Blackball"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.