Blacklist: meaning, definitions and examples

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blacklist

[ˈblakˌlɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security

A list of people, companies, or entities that are not allowed to be involved in a particular activity or organization due to their past behavior or status.

Synonyms

ban list, blocklist, exclusion list.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blacklist	Commonly used in both general and technical settings to describe a list of entities (such as people, websites, or IP addresses) that are denied access or not trusted. The IT department added the suspicious IP address to the blacklist. She was blacklisted from all the major conferences after the scandal.
ban list	Typically used to describe a list of individuals or items that are forbidden, often formally. It carries a sense of official prohibition. The gaming platform released a new ban list for cheaters. The government published a ban list of books that are considered harmful.
exclusion list	Generally used in formal settings to describe a list of entities that are excluded from participation or consideration. It does not carry the same negative connotation as 'blacklist'. The policy committee reviewed the exclusion list of disqualified participants. Certain products are on the exclusion list and cannot be used in this competition.
blocklist	Often used in a digital or IT context to describe a list of addresses or domains that are blocked, with a slight preference in modern usage to avoid the racial undertones associated with 'blacklist'. Our email system uses a blocklist to filter out spam. The software maintained a blocklist of untrusted websites.

Examples of usage

The company maintains a blacklist of vendors with poor performance.
He was placed on the blacklist for violating company policies.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

technology

To block or prevent access to a certain website, application, or content.

Synonyms

ban, block, exclude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blacklist	Used when you're identifying people or things that are explicitly not allowed or trusted, often in professional or organizational contexts. The company has blacklisted several websites for security reasons. He found himself on the blacklist after violating the terms of service.
block	Used in digital contexts to stop someone from communicating or accessing certain content, or physically to prevent entry or passage. She decided to block him on social media after receiving rude messages. The road was blocked due to an accident.
ban	Commonly applied in legal, official, or formal environments to mean legally prohibit or officially disallow something or someone. Smoking is banned in all public buildings. The player was banned from the game for cheating.
exclude	Implies leaving someone or something out from activities, groups, or considerations, often highlighting separation or omission. The policy will exclude non-residents from the benefits. He felt hurt when he was excluded from the team.

Examples of usage

The website blacklists users who violate the terms of service.
The software automatically blacklists suspicious IP addresses.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originated in the 17th century, used to denote a list of individuals who were deemed undesirable.
The word 'black' in this context symbolizes something negative or bad, while 'list' simply refers to a collection of names.

Cultural Impact

The concept has appeared in literature and films, often portraying themes of exclusion or revenge.
In modern workplace culture, blacklists can reflect the consequences of unethical behavior, impacting careers and reputations.

Technology

In computer security, a blacklist identifies harmful data or sites to prevent user access.
Email systems use blacklists to block spam by filtering out known sources of unwanted messages.

Social Issues

Historically, political blacklists have been used to silence dissenting voices, especially during the Red Scare in the 1950s.
In social settings, being on a blacklist can lead to severe consequences, such as financial ruin or job loss.

Psychology

Being placed on a blacklist can evoke feelings of rejection, low self-esteem, and anxiety in affected individuals.
Psychologically, exclusion from a group or organization can negatively impact one's mental health and social connections.

Translations

Translations of the word "blacklist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lista negra

🇮🇳 काली सूची

🇩🇪 Schwarze Liste

🇮🇩 daftar hitam

🇺🇦 чорний список

🇵🇱 czarna lista

🇯🇵 ブラックリスト

🇫🇷 liste noire

🇪🇸 lista negra

🇹🇷 kara liste

🇰🇷 블랙리스트

🇸🇦 القائمة السوداء

🇨🇿 černá listina

🇸🇰 čierna listina

🇨🇳 黑名单

🇸🇮 črni seznam

🇮🇸 svartur listi

🇰🇿 қара тізім

🇬🇪 შავი სია

🇦🇿 qara siyahı

🇲🇽 lista negra

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,482 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30479 swerving
30480 concreting
30481 abed
30482 blacklist
30483 skittish
30484 actualize
30485 consecrating
...