I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: black (I) + ball
1.
a. : to prevent from becoming a member of an organization by casting an adverse vote especially by putting a black ball into a ballot box or urn
if he applies for membership, I'll blackball him
b. : to vote against : make impossible by casting an adverse vote : veto
blackballed the membership applications of some candidates of unsavory character
2. : to exclude socially : ostracize
he was blackballed by all his former friends
: exclude from normal professional or economic relations : blacklist , boycott
an advertisement inviting the population at large to blackball me — Victor Ross
Synonyms: see exclude
II. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: black (I) + ball
1. : a small black ball that may be put into a ballot box or urn to constitute a vote against admitting someone to membership in an organization
2. : an adverse vote especially as excluding an applicant from membership in an organization