Walkout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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walkout

[ˈwɔːkaʊt ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'walkout' was first used in the early 20th century, primarily in labor movements when workers would leave their jobs to protest against working conditions.
One of the most famous walkouts in history was by the United Auto Workers in the 1930s, which helped gain better wages and rights for workers.
In the 1960s, students staged walkouts in schools across the United States to protest against the Vietnam War, which highlighted their role in social movements.

Labor Rights

Walkouts are a powerful tool used by labor unions to demonstrate solidarity and create pressure on employers during negotiations.
In many cases, a successful walkout can lead to improved conditions and contracts, indicating the strength of collective action.
The longest recorded walkout in U.S. history lasted over 100 days, organized by striking miners demanding better safety measures.

Pop Culture

Walkouts have been featured in movies and TV shows, often used to show characters standing up for what they believe in.
In sports, players occasionally walk out during games or team practices to express dissatisfaction with management or coaches.
The phrase 'walkout' has also been used in social media campaigns to mobilize support for various causes, highlighting its relevance today.

Psychology

Research shows that walkouts can release pent-up frustration and create a sense of empowerment among those participating.
They often reflect the collective emotions of a group, acting as a catalyst for social change by highlighting shared grievances.
The psychological impact of participating in a walkout can lead to increased feelings of unity and solidarity among participants.

Education

In schools, students sometimes organize walkouts to raise awareness about issues like climate change, advocating for their future.
Educators often use walkouts as a teachable moment to discuss civic engagement and the importance of speaking out.
Walkouts in educational settings can sometimes lead to policy changes, as they draw attention to student voices in governance.

Origin of 'walkout'

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.