Blocklist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blocklist

[ˈblɒk.lɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

software usage

A list of items, such as websites or users, that are blocked or restricted from access within a certain system or platform. Blocklists are often used as a security measure to prevent unwanted or harmful content from being viewed or accessed.

Synonyms

ban list, blacklist, denial list.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blocklist	Commonly used in digital and cybersecurity contexts to refer to lists that block traffic from specific sources for security reasons. The company's firewall includes a blocklist of known malicious IP addresses Email providers use a blocklist to filter out spam
blacklist	Traditionally used to refer to a list of individuals or entities excluded from a service, job, or social privilege. It can have a strongly negative connotation due to its historical associations with discrimination. The employee was blacklisted after being caught leaking company secrets The singer was put on a blacklist and could no longer perform in certain venues
ban list	Used primarily in situations where access or participation is explicitly prohibited, often permanently or for a significant period. Common in gaming, social media, and community guidelines. The user was added to the ban list for violating the community rules The gaming platform maintains a ban list of players who cheat
denial list	Used in official and regulatory settings to indicate entities or individuals who are denied privileges, access, or permissions, often in legal, trade, or business contexts. Export regulations require companies to consult the denial list before shipping goods overseas The contractor is on the denial list for government contracts due to past violations

Examples of usage

Many companies maintain a blocklist of websites known for malware distribution.
The social media platform implemented a blocklist feature to allow users to block unwanted accounts.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

software usage

To add an item, such as a website or user, to a list of blocked or restricted items within a certain system or platform. Blocking an item typically prevents it from being accessed or viewed.

Synonyms

ban, blacklist, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blocklist	This is used in contexts where you need to prevent access or communication from certain sources. It's often used in IT and online security to refer to a list of blocked entities. Our email server has a blocklist to prevent spam. The IT department added several IP addresses to the blocklist.
blacklist	Similar to blocklist, but often carries a more negative connotation and is historically rooted in exclusionary practices. Commonly used in both social and technical contexts to describe unwanted entities. The agency has a blacklist of untrusted vendors. After revealing confidential information, he was blacklisted from the industry.
ban	This is appropriate when you want to describe a formal or authoritative prohibition. It is used in legal, organizational, and social contexts. The government decided to ban smoking in public places. He was banned from entering the club after the incident.
restrict	This is used when you want to place specific limitations or controls on something. It's often seen in formal documentation, policies, and rules. The company decided to restrict access to sensitive documents. Parents tend to restrict their children's internet usage.

Examples of usage

The administrator decided to blocklist certain keywords to filter out inappropriate content.
Users have the option to blocklist specific profiles to avoid unwanted interactions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'blocklist'

The term 'blocklist' originated in the field of computing, specifically in the context of internet security and access control. It is a combination of the words 'block' and 'list', indicating a list of items that are blocked or restricted. The concept of blocklisting has evolved with the increasing need for online safety and content control, becoming a common feature in various software applications and platforms.