blacklist
UK[ˈblæk.lɪst]US[ˈblæk.lɪst]
v
to put a person, organization, or product on a list of those considered untrustworthy, banned, or boycotted.
n
a list of people, organizations, or products that are considered untrustworthy, banned, or boycotted.
Morpheme Breakdown
black
list
black
dark, ink.
list
border, strip, or catalogue.
Etymology
the compound "blacklist" is a straightforward combination of two ancient english words. "black" has proto-indo-european origins in bhleg- ("to burn, shine"), which in germanic developed the sense of the color produced by burning or charring, associated with darkness and, by metaphorical extension, disgrace or condemnation. "list" derives from a germanic root for a border or strip, evolving to mean a roll or catalogue. the term's logic is vividly metaphorical: just as black marks or ink were used to denote something negative, a "black list" is a catalogue where names are figuratively marked in black, signifying they are to be shunned or punished. this practice-based term entered common usage in the early 17th century, solidifying its abstract meaning of an official record of proscription.
Analysis
Structure: black + list
- black: from old english blæc, meaning "dark, ink." functions as an adjective modifying the noun, conveying the sense of being marked for censure or exclusion.
- list: from old english liste, meaning "border, strip, or catalogue." functions as the core noun, denoting a recorded catalogue or register.
Examples
the company decided to blacklist the supplier after several failed deliveries.
his email address was added to the spam blacklist.
several actors were placed on a hollywood blacklist during the mccarthy era.