boycott

[ boi-kot ]
/ ˈbɔɪ kɒt /

verb (used with object)

to combine in abstaining from, or preventing dealings with, as a means of intimidation or coercion: to boycott a store.
to abstain from buying or using: to boycott foreign products.

noun

the practice of boycotting.
an instance of boycotting.

Origin of boycott

after Charles C. Boycott (1832–97), English estate manager in Ireland, against whom nonviolent coercive tactics were used in 1880

OTHER WORDS FROM boycott

boy·cott·er, noun an·ti·boy·cott, noun, adjective pro·boy·cott, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH boycott

boycott embargo

Example sentences from the Web for boycott

British Dictionary definitions for boycott (1 of 2)

boycott
/ (ˈbɔɪkɒt) /

verb

(tr) to refuse to have dealings with (a person, organization, etc) or refuse to buy (a product) as a protest or means of coercion to boycott foreign produce

noun

an instance or the use of boycotting

Word Origin for boycott

C19: after Captain C. C. Boycott (1832–97), Irish land agent for the Earl of Erne, County Mayo, Ireland, who was a victim of such practices for refusing to reduce rents

British Dictionary definitions for boycott (2 of 2)

Boycott
/ (ˈbɔɪkɒt) /

noun

Geoff (rey). born 1940, English cricketer: played for Yorkshire (1962–86); played in 108 test matches (1964–1982); first England batsman to score 8,000 test runs

Cultural definitions for boycott

boycott

The refusal to purchase the products of an individual, corporation, or nation as a way to bring social and political pressure for change.