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. 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 Word Forms

• boycotter noun
• antiboycott noun
• proboycott 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

She says she wants the Windy City to boycott U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If we can organize our inboxes together, what else might we organize—a food drive, a boycott, a march?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A leading opposition coalition, the Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution of March 2016, announced in early October that it would boycott the election, accusing Touadera's government of rigging the vote.

Read more on Barron's

Members are split over a range of policy issues, and the group's richest member, the United States, has said it will boycott the Johannesburg summit, accusing South Africa's agenda of being anti-American.

Read more on Barron's

The company has struggled in recent years, with multiple changes in leadership, softening demand and boycotts over its perceived support for Israel.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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