What is the significance of the phrase 'excommunicado' in the John Wick universe?

In the John Wick universe, the word 'excommunicado' is used to refer to an assassin who has been expelled from the underworld community of assassins.

The Continental, a chain of hotels for assassins, has a strict code of conduct, and any member who breaks this code faces severe consequences, which include being labeled 'excommunicado' and losing all privileges and protections offered by the organization.

In the movies, John Wick, the main character, is excommunicated by the High Table, the governing body of the underworld, for killing a member on the grounds of the Continental Hotel, which is considered a violation of the rules. This leads to a bounty being placed on his head, and he becomes a target for all assassins.