Robocalled: meaning, definitions and examples
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robocalled
[ roʊboʊˈkɔːld ]
telemarketing calls
Robocalled refers to the action of receiving a telemarketing call that is generated by an automated dialing system. These calls often use recorded messages to convey information or solicit responses from the recipient. Such calls are frequently characterized by their impersonal nature and can be seen as intrusive or annoying.
Synonyms
automated call, robocall
Examples of usage
- I was robocalled three times yesterday.
- She complained about being robocalled too often.
- Robocalled messages often interrupt my day.
- Many people have reported being robocalled repeatedly.
Translations
Translations of the word "robocalled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 chamada robô
🇮🇳 रोबोकॉल
🇩🇪 Robocall
🇮🇩 panggilan robo
🇺🇦 робо-дзвінок
🇵🇱 robokamera
🇯🇵 ロボコール
🇫🇷 appel robot
🇪🇸 llamada robótica
🇹🇷 robot çağrısı
🇰🇷 로보콜
🇸🇦 مكالمة روبوت
🇨🇿 robocall
🇸🇰 robokontakt
🇨🇳 机器人电话
🇸🇮 roboklic
🇮🇸 vélmenni símtal
🇰🇿 робот қоңырауы
🇬🇪 რობოკოლი
🇦🇿 robot zəngi
🇲🇽 llamada robótica
Etymology
The term 'robocalled' is derived from the combination of two words: 'robo' and 'call'. The prefix 'robo' is derived from the word 'robot', which signifies automation and machine involvement. This prefix began to gain popularity in the late 20th century as automated technology advanced. The word 'call' refers to the act of communicating via a telephone. Robocalling emerged as a practice in the early 1990s, as telemarketing firms began to employ automated systems to reach consumers more efficiently. These systems eliminate the need for human operators, allowing companies to place thousands of calls simultaneously. Over time, the use of robocalls has expanded, leading to increased legislative scrutiny due to consumer complaints about harassment and privacy violations. In 1991, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act was enacted in the United States, placing restrictions on automated telemarketing calls, especially to mobile phones. Despite these regulations, robocalls have remained a contentious issue, prompting ongoing debates about consumer rights and technological ethics.