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Boycotting: meaning, definitions and examples

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boycotting

 

[ˈbɔɪˌkɒtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social movements

Boycotting refers to the act of withdrawing from commercial or social relations with a country, organization, or individual as a form of protest. This strategy is often employed to express disapproval of policies or actions that are deemed unethical or unjust. By refusing to engage in purchasing goods or services, or participating in events supported by the target of the boycott, individuals aim to bring about change or draw attention to certain issues. Boycotting can be a powerful tool for social movements as it aims to affect economic consequences for the entity being targeted.

Synonyms

protest, refuse, shun, withdraw.

Examples of usage

  • Many activists are boycotting companies that exploit their workers.
  • The community decided to boycott the products of the offending organization.
  • Consumers are encouraged to boycott brands that do not align with sustainable practices.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from Charles C. Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland who was ostracized by his community in 1880 for unfair practices.
  • This method of protest became widely used during the Irish Land War, where tenants refused to pay rents to Boycott's employers.

Social Movements

  • The Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 was a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement, where African Americans refused to use the bus system to protest segregation.
  • Boycotting has been a vital tactic in labor movements, allowing workers to leverage their collective power to negotiate better conditions.

Impact in Media

  • In modern times, social media has amplified the effectiveness of boycotts, allowing rapid organization for numerous causes.
  • Celebrities often promote or participate in boycotts, which can significantly influence public opinion and consumer behavior.

Legal Aspects

  • In some countries, boycotting can lead to legal challenges, particularly when it involves targeting specific companies or countries.
  • Laws vary worldwide regarding boycotts, with some nations viewing them as legitimate free speech while others see them as economic sabotage.

Psychological Impact

  • Boycotting can create a sense of community and solidarity among individuals sharing similar beliefs or values.
  • The act of boycotting often raises awareness about specific issues, prompting discussions that might not have occurred otherwise.

Translations

Translations of the word "boycotting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 boicote

🇮🇳 बायकॉटिंग

🇩🇪 Boykottieren

🇮🇩 boikot

🇺🇦 бойкотування

🇵🇱 bojkotowanie

🇯🇵 ボイコット

🇫🇷 boycott

🇪🇸 boicot

🇹🇷 boykot

🇰🇷 보이콧

🇸🇦 مقاطعة

🇨🇿 bojkotování

🇸🇰 bojkotovanie

🇨🇳 抵制

🇸🇮 bojkotiranje

🇮🇸 stríð

🇰🇿 бойкоттау

🇬🇪 ბოიკოტი

🇦🇿 boykot

🇲🇽 boicot

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,215, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.