How do I block host name instead of just IP?

I was wanting to block a list of specific hosts, specifically so my server has no access to them at all. I tried using host2ip and entering the result into IP tables , but the IPs don't seem to lead to the site and I can still access the domains clearly.

How can I block say, 'bad.example.com' like I can on Windows with the HOSTS file?

From serverfault John d.

• I assume you're on some kind of *nix since you mention IPTables. You can use the /etc/hosts file in a similar fashion to the windows hosts file.

  However, adding a proxy like squid is another option that may make managing block lists easier.

  John d. : May sound weird, but I think I love you! Thank you.

  nedm : Great, you can show me the love with an upvote and by checking answer! ;)

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  From nedm