Boycott - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A boycott is a deliberate refusal to use, buy, or participate in something as a form of protest or to force change. It is often used to oppose unfair practices or policies.
Definition:
To refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest.
Synonyms:
avoid, shun, reject, protest
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
support, endorse
Common Collocations:
boycott products, boycott elections, boycott a company
Derivatives:
boycotter, boycotting
Usage Tips:
Use "boycott" when describing organized refusal to engage with something for political or social reasons.
Common Phrases:
call for a boycott, join the boycott, end the boycott
Etymology:
Named after Charles Boycott, an Irish landlord ostracized by his community in 1880.
Examples:
- 1. The students decided to boycott the cafeteria food due to poor quality.
- 2. Many people boycott companies that harm the environment.
- 3. The union called for a boycott of unfair labor practices.
- 4. She joined the boycott to protest animal testing.