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

"Any talent agency that engages in this should be boycotted by all guilds," said Lyonne, who is currently working with "ethical AI" to create a feature film that stars real actors.

From BBC

It’s one of many moments over the last decade that have galvanized conservative factions around calls to boycott the Super Bowl, or at least publicly bash the event.

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, world cycling governing body the UCI said it will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite calls for sporting boycotts.

From BBC

Austria's foreign minister also previously wrote to colleagues in six of the countries threatening a boycott, urging them to reconsider, saying that Eurovision and the arts in general are "not the appropriate arenas for sanctions".

From BBC

In turn, some free speech proponents are now turning their attention to boycotting advertisers who buy ads on Sinclair and Nexstar.

From Salon

Related Words

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