Meaning & Definition of word "Boycott"
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.