blackball
blackball Lexical Profile
blackball Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To reject or exclude someone from a club, group, or professional circle, typically through a secret vote or collective agreement.
"Several whistleblowers claimed they were blackballed by major studios after speaking out about working conditions."
• noun
A negative vote or veto, originally cast by placing a small black ball into a ballot box, used to reject a candidate applying for membership in a club or organization.
"A single blackball from any sitting committee member was enough to block the applicant's admission to the society."
• Rhymes for blackball
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the late 18th century from the traditional practice in private gentlemen's clubs and fraternal organizations, where members voted anonymously on a candidate's admission by dropping either a white ball (in favor) or a black ball (against) into a ballot box.