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Boycott Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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boycott

[ˈbɔɪkɒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

economic

A boycott is an act of voluntarily abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as an expression of protest or disapproval.

Synonyms

ban, blacklist, embargo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
boycott

Used when people collectively refuse to buy, use, or participate in something to express protest or to force change.

  • The consumers decided to boycott the brand because of its unethical practices.
  • Several countries called for a boycott of the international event.
ban

Used when something is officially or legally prohibited.

  • The government decided to ban the use of plastic bags to protect the environment.
  • He was given a lifetime ban from participating in the sport due to doping.
embargo

Used when a government or other authority imposes an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country or entity.

  • The United Nations declared an arms embargo against the warring nation.
  • Due to the embargo, trading with the country became illegal.
blacklist

Used when someone or something is put on a list to be avoided or ostracized, often because they are considered untrustworthy or dishonest. This term has a negative connotation.

  • The company blacklisted the employee for violating corporate policies.
  • Artists who defied the regime were often blacklisted and couldn't work in their profession.

Examples of usage

  • The boycott of the company led to a significant drop in their sales.
  • Our organization decided to initiate a boycott against the unjust policies of the government.
Context #2 | Verb

social

To boycott means to refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a way of protesting or showing disapproval.

Synonyms

avoid, protest, shun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
boycott

When people collectively decide not to buy or use products or services from a particular company or country as a way to protest or bring about change.

  • Many people decided to boycott the brand because of its unethical practices
  • The community organized a boycott of the store that refused to pay fair wages
protest

When a person or group publicly shows their disagreement or dissatisfaction with something, usually in a social or political context.

  • They held a protest against the new government policies
  • Students organized a protest demanding better campus security
shun

When someone is deliberately excluded or ignored, often in a social context and sometimes with negative connotations.

  • The community started to shun him after his unethical behavior came to light
  • She felt shunned by her colleagues after she expressed her dissenting opinion
avoid

When you deliberately stay away from someone or something, typically to prevent trouble or negative outcomes.

  • She tried to avoid getting into an argument with her colleague
  • I always avoid driving through that part of town because of traffic

Examples of usage

  • The students decided to boycott the cafeteria to protest against the poor quality of food.
  • We should boycott businesses that support unethical practices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'boycott' comes from Charles Boycott, a 19th-century English land agent in Ireland who faced social and economic pressure during a dispute over unfair rent practices.
  • The strategy of boycotting has been used for hundreds of years to address social issues, with roots in practices dating back to ancient Rome.

Social Movements

  • The American civil rights movement in the 1960s saw significant boycotts, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which aimed to end racial segregation on public transit.
  • Boycotts were a key tactic during the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa to oppose discrimination and promote equality.

Economic Impact

  • Boycotting can lead to significant financial losses for companies when large groups of people refuse to purchase their products or services.
  • Successful boycotts can change corporate policies, encouraging companies to adopt fairer practices.

Psychology

  • People often engage in boycotts as a way to express their values and beliefs, feeling empowered when they join together for a common cause.
  • Research shows that collective action, like boycotting, can enhance individuals' satisfaction and identity within a group.

Global Examples

  • Globally, boycotts have occurred over issues ranging from labor rights to environmental concerns, such as campaigns against fast fashion for unethical labor practices.
  • In 2020, several boycotts were organized to address social justice issues, showing that this form of protest remains relevant in modern times.

Origin of 'boycott'

The term 'boycott' originated in Ireland in the late 19th century during the Irish Land War. It was named after Charles C. Boycott, an English land agent who was ostracized by the local community as part of a protest against high rents and evictions. The tactic of boycotting quickly spread and became a common form of nonviolent protest against unfair practices. Today, boycotts are used worldwide to bring attention to social, political, and economic issues.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,677, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.