Blacklisted

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈblæk.lɪstəd/

Definitions

1. Having been officially placed on a list that bars participation or access due to disapproval or suspicion
2. Describes someone or something recorded as excluded or denied privileges because of negative judgement
3. Refers to the state of being included in a list condemning or restricting involvement or acceptance

Etymology: Blacklisting began as a literal act: a list of names written on paper and marked in black ink. Old English "blæc" (black) and Old French "liste" (a strip or border, later a roll of names) came together in English as "blacklist," a compound of two plain words with nothing hidden in it. The sense of a record of people to be avoided or punished grew out of that practice of marking names. The past form "blacklisted" simply applies that sense to someone who has been placed on such a list. The meaning moved from a physical roll of names to a judgement made about a person, group or thing, and it is now used for anyone denied access, employment or privileges because of disapproval.

Synonyms: excluded, proscribed

Antonyms: included, accepted