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

The protest took place on the same day as local elections, which the opposition is largely boycotting following a government crackdown.

From BBC

For many, Kimmel’s rebound appears to be a win for free speech and a testament to the power of boycotts against powerful corporate interests.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s joining a company that, led by its new management, was the only studio to push back against a campaign gathering steam among Hollywood progressives to boycott Israeli film festivals and organizations.

From Los Angeles Times

America’s most successful consumer boycotts have had a single target, a united body, and a straightforward tactic — a trajectory that could result in transformative change.

From Salon

Chief Executive Elon Musk’s foray into politics as head of the Department of Government Efficiency also alienated many potential Tesla buyers and led to boycotts and protests at Tesla dealerships.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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