Robocall: meaning, definitions and examples
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robocall
[ ˈroʊboʊkɔːl ]
telephone calls
A robocall is an automated telephone call that uses a computerized auto-dialer to deliver a pre-recorded message. These calls are often used for marketing purposes, political campaigns, or informational messages, typically without the prior consent of the recipient. Robocalls can sometimes be misleading or fraudulent, often soliciting personal information or promoting scams. Regulations have been enacted in many regions to limit or control the use of robocalls due to their intrusive nature.
Synonyms
auto-dialed call, automated call, phone advertisement.
Examples of usage
- I received a robocall about a recent sale.
- Many people are frustrated by the number of robocalls they get daily.
- The robocall was promoting a new credit card offer.
- Robocalls often target vulnerable populations with scams.
Translations
Translations of the word "robocall" in other languages:
🇵🇹 chamada robô
🇮🇳 रोबोकॉल
🇩🇪 Robocall
🇮🇩 panggilan robot
🇺🇦 роботизований дзвінок
🇵🇱 automatyczne połączenie
🇯🇵 ロボコール
🇫🇷 appel automatisé
🇪🇸 llamada robótica
🇹🇷 robot araması
🇰🇷 로보콜
🇸🇦 مكالمة روبوت
🇨🇿 robocall
🇸🇰 robocall
🇨🇳 机器人电话
🇸🇮 robocall
🇮🇸 robocall
🇰🇿 робот қоңырау
🇬🇪 რობოკოლი
🇦🇿 robot zəngi
🇲🇽 llamada robótica
Etymology
The term 'robocall' was first recorded in the early 2000s, derived from the combination of 'robot' and 'call'. The word 'robot' itself originates from the Czech word 'robota', which means 'forced labor' or 'drudgery', used in Karel Čapek's play 'R.U.R.' ('Rossum's Universal Robots') published in 1920. The concept of telecommunications using automated systems has its roots in the advances of technology in the late 20th century. As the use of telephones became widespread, particularly in the U.S., marketers began to utilize auto-dialing technology to reach potential customers en masse, leading to the development of what we now refer to as robocalls. The rise in robocalls has sparked significant debate and led to the establishment of various regulations aimed at protecting consumers from unsolicited and potentially harmful communications.