blackball

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Word: Blackball

Part of Speech: Verb and Noun

Simple Explanation:

"Blackball" means to exclude someone from a group or organization by voting against them. When someone is "blackballed," it usually means that people do not want them to join or be part of something.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb, you can say "to blackball someone." For example, "They decided to blackball him from the club."
• As a noun, you can refer to "the blackball." For example, "His blackball from the committee was surprising."

Example Sentences:

1. Verb: "After the scandal, many members of the club voted to blackball him."
2. Noun: "The blackball he received from the organization made it difficult for him to find work in that field."

Advanced Usage:

In a more formal context, "blackball" can be used in discussions about professional organizations, clubs, or societies where members have the power to vote on new applicants. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations in social or professional settings where someone is unfairly excluded.

Word Variants:

• Blackballed (past tense of the verb): "She was blackballed last year."
• Blackballing (present participle): "They are blackballing anyone who disagrees with their views."

Different Meanings:

While "blackball" primarily refers to exclusion by vote, it can also imply social ostracism or disapproval, where a person is avoided or not welcomed in social situations.

Synonyms:

• Exclude
• Ostracize
• Veto
• Reject

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "blackball," but you might encounter phrases like: - "Kick someone out" (to expel someone from a group). - "Turn someone away" (to refuse entry or acceptance).

Conclusion:

"Blackball" is a term that describes the act of voting against someone to prevent them from joining a group or organization. It carries a negative connotation and is often associated with unfair treatment or exclusion.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto

Verb

1. vote against; refuse to endorse; refuse to assent
   • The President vetoed the bill
2. expel from a community or group

Synonyms

• barring
• veto
• negative
• banish
• ban
• ostracize
• ostracise
• shun
• cast out