Walkout: meaning, definitions and examples

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walkout

 

[ ˈwɔːkaʊt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

strike

A walkout is a strike by workers in protest against their working conditions, wages, or other grievances. It involves employees leaving their workplace collectively and refusing to work until their demands are met.

Synonyms

protest, strike, work stoppage.

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Word Description / Examples
walkout

This term is often used when employees leave their workplace as a form of protest, usually without formal notice.

  • The workers organized a walkout to demand better working conditions.
  • There was a walkout at the factory after the management refused to negotiate wages.
strike

This word is used when employees collectively stop working to force their employer to meet certain demands, such as better pay or work conditions.

  • The teachers are going on strike next week to demand higher salaries.
  • Negotiations failed, leading to a nationwide strike by the healthcare workers.
protest

This word is used for any organized public demonstration or action expressing disapproval or objection to something.

  • The students planned a protest against the new university policy.
  • There was a large protest in the city center against environmental pollution.
work stoppage

This is a formal term used to describe any cessation of work, often as a result of a planned action by workers to protest or make demands.

  • The union announced a work stoppage to push for safer working conditions.
  • Due to the sudden work stoppage, the company had to shut down operations temporarily.

Examples of usage

  • The employees organized a walkout to demand fair wages and better working conditions.
  • The walkout was successful in negotiating improved benefits for the workers.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

In sports, a walkout refers to a batter in baseball receiving four balls from the pitcher, allowing them to advance to first base without the need to hit the ball.

Synonyms

base on balls, free pass.

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Word Description / Examples
walkout

Synonymous with protest or strike and used similarly.

  • Facing unfair working conditions, the employees planned a walkout.
  • Students staged a walkout to protest the new policies.
base on balls

Specific to baseball, it refers to a scenario where a batter receives four balls and is allowed to go to first base without hitting the ball.

  • The pitcher struggled with his control, giving up a base on balls in the first inning.
  • His keen eye for pitches earned him several bases on balls throughout the season.
free pass

Informal term primarily used in baseball to describe a situation similar to 'base on balls,' but can also mean any situation where someone gets a chance to do something without usual restrictions.

  • The coach was upset because the pitcher gave the opposing team too many free passes.
  • Your ticket will serve as a free pass to enter any of the events today.

Examples of usage

  • The pitcher's wild throws resulted in multiple walkouts during the game.
  • The batter's patience at the plate led to a walkout and loaded bases for the team.
Context #3 | Noun

political protest

A walkout can also refer to a political protest where participants walk out of a meeting, conference, or event to show their disagreement or disapproval.

Synonyms

boycott, demonstration, protest.

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Word Description / Examples
walkout

Typically refers to a situation where employees or students leave a place as an act of protest against certain policies or decisions. Often used in labor disputes or situations where an immediate, dramatic action is needed to make a point.

  • The factory workers staged a walkout to demand better working conditions.
  • Students organized a walkout to protest the new school curriculum.
protest

A general term for any public expression of objection, disapproval, or dissent, typically against policies, actions, or situations. It can include marches, sit-ins, demonstrations, or even boycotts and walkouts.

  • They held a protest outside the city hall to oppose the budget cuts.
  • There was a large protest against the proposed changes to the healthcare system.
demonstration

Refers to a public gathering where people express their opinions on an issue through marching, holding signs, and chanting. It is often organized in a public place and can involve large groups of people.

  • Thousands of people attended the demonstration to support climate action.
  • The demonstration against the new law was peaceful but drew significant media attention.
boycott

Used when people decide to stop buying, using, or dealing with a company, organization, or country as a form of protest. This is usually aimed at causing economic harm to the target to push for change.

  • Many people are participating in a boycott of the company to protest its unfair labor practices.
  • The international community called for a boycott of goods from the country due to its human rights violations.

Examples of usage

  • The delegates staged a walkout during the summit to express their dissatisfaction with the decision.
  • The walkout was a powerful statement against the unjust policies.

Translations

Translations of the word "walkout" in other languages:

🇵🇹 greve

🇮🇳 हड़ताल

🇩🇪 Streik

🇮🇩 mogok kerja

🇺🇦 страйк

🇵🇱 strajk

🇯🇵 ストライキ

🇫🇷 grève

🇪🇸 huelga

🇹🇷 grev

🇰🇷 파업

🇸🇦 إضراب

🇨🇿 stávka

🇸🇰 štrajk

🇨🇳 罢工

🇸🇮 stavka

🇮🇸 verkfall

🇰🇿 ереуіл

🇬🇪 გაფიცვა

🇦🇿 tətil

🇲🇽 huelga

Etymology

The term 'walkout' originated in the early 20th century, primarily in the context of labor strikes. The concept of employees collectively leaving their workplace as a form of protest or negotiation has been a common tactic used by workers' unions to advocate for their rights. Over time, the term expanded to other areas such as sports and political protests, encompassing the idea of walking out to make a statement. The history of walkouts is intertwined with the broader history of social movements and activism.

See also: walk, walker, walkers, walking, walkway, walkways.