Meaning & Definition of word "Boycott"
to
Boycott
/ˈbɔɪ.kɒt/
noun:
- 1. An act of refusing to engage with or support something, typically for social or political reasons.
- Example: The boycott against the company's products gained nationwide attention.
- 2. A collective refusal to have dealings with an organization or entity.
- Example: The boycott lasted several months before the organization agreed to negotiate.
verb:
- 1. To withdraw from commercial or social relations as a punishment or protest.
- Example: The community decided to boycott the local shop due to its unfair labor practices.
- 2. To abstain from using, buying, or dealing with as a means of protest.
- Example: Activists urged citizens to boycott the company until it changed its policies.
- 3. To refuse to participate in or support a particular event or organization.
- Example: Many artists chose to boycott the awards ceremony in solidarity with the ongoing protests.
Etymology
The term is derived from the name of Captain Charles Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland whose social ostracism in 1880 led to the use of his name as a verb.
Common Phrases and Expressions
consumer boycott:
A refusal to purchase goods or services from a particular company to express disapproval.
political boycott:
A refusal to participate in a political event or engagement as a form of protest or dissent.
Related Words
ostracism:
The exclusion of an individual or group from a society or community.
protest:
A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
Slang Meanings of boycott
Meaning: Boycotting a brand or product
Example Sentence: They're totally boycotting that fashion line after the scandal.
Meaning: To drop someone or something socially
Example Sentence: After hearing his comments, she decided to boycott him from her social circle.