Blacklist: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.