boycott

[ boi-kot ]

verb (used with object)

1. to combine in abstaining from, or preventing dealings with, as a means of intimidation or coercion:

   to boycott a store.

2. to abstain from buying or using:

   to boycott foreign products.

noun

1. the practice of boycotting.
2. an instance of boycotting.

boycott

¹

/ ˈbɔɪkɒt /

verb

1. tr to refuse to have dealings with (a person, organization, etc) or refuse to buy (a product) as a protest or means of coercion

   to boycott foreign produce

noun

1. an instance or the use of boycotting

Boycott

²

/ ˈbɔɪkɒt /

noun

1. BoycottGeoff(rey)1940MEnglishSPORT AND GAMES: cricketer Geoff ( rey ). born 1940, English cricketer: played for Yorkshire (1962–86); played in 108 test matches (1964–1982); first England batsman to score 8,000 test runs

boycott

1. The refusal to purchase the products of an individual, corporation , or nation as a way to bring social and political pressure for change.

Other Words From

• boycott·er noun
• anti·boycott noun adjective
• pro·boycott adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of boycott¹

After Charles C. Boycott (1832–97), English estate manager in Ireland, against whom nonviolent coercive tactics were used in 1880

Word History and Origins

Origin of boycott¹

C19: after Captain C. C. Boycott (1832–97), Irish land agent for the Earl of Erne, County Mayo, Ireland, who was a victim of such practices for refusing to reduce rents

Example Sentences

I know women in this situation, and while it's not exactly true that they're boycotting men, they're also not actively seeking out dates.

From Salon

Waltz has said the US is in a “cold war” with China and was one of the first members of Congress to call for a US boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

From BBC

Despite the show’s producers scrambling to reassure audiences of the cat’s safety, a boycott campaign has gained traction on social media.

From BBC

There's chatter on social media about the "4B movement," a South Korean movement of women who are boycotting men.

From Salon

The Palestinians boycotted the Trump administration, because of Washington’s abandonment of their claim to Jerusalem - the city that forms the historical centre of national and religious life for Palestinians.

From BBC

Related Words

• avoid
• cut off
• exclude
• refuse
• reject
• snub
• spurn