boycott

American  

[boi-kot] / ˈbɔɪ kɒt /

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.

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noun

1. the practice of boycotting.

2. an instance of boycotting.

Boycott ¹ British  

/ 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

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boycott ² British  

/ 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

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noun

1. an instance or the use of boycotting

boycott Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• antiboycott noun
• boycotter noun
• proboycott adjective

Etymology

Origin of boycott

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

Example Sentences

The 68-year-old mathematics professor was widely expected to win after the main opposition coalition boycotted the poll, citing concerns about electoral fairness.

From BBC

For business and investors, the Venezuela strike is the latest reminder that local dynamics around the world could shape shorter-term trade flows, non-trade barriers, investment boycotts, and the flow of goods and capital, Baker says.

From Barron's

California’s wine industry is in a tailspin due to Canadian boycotts of American alcohol.

From The Wall Street Journal

It has no deputies in parliament after it boycotted the ballot.

From Barron's

Voting ended Saturday in Ivory Coast's parliamentary elections, a vote marked by poor turn-out following a boycott call by opposition parties.

From Barron's

Related Words

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