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boycott

verb

/ˈbɔɪkɒt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of boycott

To refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest or to express disapproval.
"Many people have decided to boycott the brand after the scandal."

Detailed meaning of boycott

This can be a deliberate and organized effort by a group of people or individuals to bring attention to an issue or to put pressure on a company, organization, or government. Boycotts can be motivated by a variety of reasons such as social, political, or economic concerns, and can take various forms, including a complete boycott or a selective boycott of specific products or services. The effectiveness of boycotts varies, and their success often depends on the level of support they receive and the extent of the impact on the target.

Example sentences containing boycott

1. The workers are planning to boycott the company's products.
2. The boycott of the store was successful in bringing attention to their labor practices.
3. The group called for a boycott of the company's products due to their environmental policies.
4. The community is organizing a boycott of the business for discriminatory practices.
5. The boycott has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for the company.
6. The boycott was organized as a form of protest against the company's actions.

History and etymology of boycott

The verb 'boycott' has its etymological origins in Ireland during the late 19th century. It is named after Captain Charles Boycott, an English land agent who became notorious for his harsh treatment of Irish tenant farmers. In response to his actions and as a form of protest, the Irish Land League and its supporters organized a campaign to ostracize and isolate Captain Boycott. They refused to work for him, refused to sell him goods, and essentially cut off all social and economic ties. This organized effort to economically and socially isolate him became known as 'boycotting.' The term 'boycott' subsequently entered the English language and has been used ever since to describe the act of refusing to buy, use, or participate in something as a means of expressing disapproval or protest. The etymology of 'boycott' highlights its historical connection to a specific act of social and economic protest and its enduring use in modern language to describe similar actions.

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Further usage examples of boycott

1. The boycott has been successful in raising awareness about the issue.
2. The organization is encouraging its members to participate in the boycott.
3. The boycott was called off after the company agreed to make changes.
4. The boycott has gained support from people all over the country.
5. The boycott was one of the ways to put pressure on the company to change its policies.
6. The group decided to boycott the company's products until they improved their environmental practices.
7. Many consumers are choosing to boycott fast fashion brands in favor of sustainable alternatives.
8. Activists are calling for a boycott of the country's tourism industry to protest its human rights abuses.
9. Some students are planning to boycott classes to demand better campus safety measures.
10. The union voted to boycott the company's new labor agreement and continue negotiations.
11. The athlete announced that he would boycott the championship in protest of unfair rules.
12. Many countries have imposed a boycott on certain products from countries with poor human rights records.
13. They decided to boycott the company's products to protest their unethical practices.
14. The workers threatened to boycott if their demands for fair wages weren't met.
15. Environmental activists encouraged people to boycott single-use plastics.
16. Students organized a boycott of classes to demand educational reforms.
17. The community vowed to boycott the new shopping mall to protect local businesses.
18. Consumers can effectively boycott harmful products by choosing eco-friendly alternatives.
19. The organization called for a boycott of the event due to its discriminatory policies.
20. Many nations united to boycott the oppressive regime's exports.
21. Athletes boycotted the championship to raise awareness about social injustice.
22. The public's decision to boycott the politician's speeches sent a powerful message.
23. A successful boycott can influence companies to change their practices.
24. People chose to boycott the brand after learning about its exploitative labor conditions.