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Boycotted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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boycotted

[ˈbɔɪˌkɒtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social protest

To boycott means to withdraw from social or commercial relations with a person, organization, or country as a form of protest or punishment. This can involve refusing to buy products or use services to express disapproval. Boycotting is often employed as a tactic for social change or to demonstrate solidarity with a cause.

Synonyms

avoid, protest, refuse, shun.

Examples of usage

  • They boycotted the event due to unethical practices.
  • The community decided to boycott the store after the owner's controversial remarks.
  • Many activists are calling for a boycott of companies that support harmful policies.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The tactic of boycotting was notably used during the American Civil Rights Movement to protest against segregation.
  • In 1970, U.S. transit workers boycotted their buses to push for better wages, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective action.
  • The boycott against South African goods in the 1980s was an important part of the anti-apartheid movement.

Art and Culture

  • Boycotting has inspired various artworks, including literature that explores themes of social justice and activism.
  • In film and theater, boycotts are often depicted to showcase characters standing up against corporate greed or social injustice.
  • Songs of protest often reference boycotting as a symbol of collective resistance, highlighting its cultural significance.

Psychology

  • The act of boycotting can be a powerful group dynamic, reinforcing group identity among participants.
  • Psychological studies show that collective boycotting actions often lead to increased solidarity among the boycotters.
  • Feelings of empowerment can arise from participating in boycotts, as individuals take a stand for their beliefs.

Global Implications

  • Boycotting can spread quickly through social media, turning local actions into global movements.
  • Recent boycotts have targeted companies for environmental issues, reflecting growing concerns about sustainability.
  • International boycotts can impact economies, influencing corporate policies and governmental action on various issues.

Origin of 'boycotted'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from Charles C. Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland in the late 1800s, who faced social ostracism for his unfair practices.
  • The word was originally used to describe a social withdrawal in response to perceived injustice.
  • It was first recorded in print in the 1880s during the Irish Land War.

The term 'boycott' originates from the name of Captain Charles Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland during the late 19th century. In 1880, Irish tenants began to feel the burden of high rents imposed by Boycott, leading them to refuse to work for him or interact with him. This social exclusion aimed to pressure him into lowering rents and adopting fairer practices. The strategy garnered significant attention and, as a result, the word 'boycott' entered the English language as a description of this method of protest. Since then, it has been widely used across various contexts to describe a refusal to engage in certain financial or social interactions as a statement against policies or actions viewed as unjust.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,891, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.