boycott

verb

boy·cott | \ ˈbȯi-ˌkät

boycotted; boycotting; boycotts

Definition of boycott

: to engage in a concerted refusal to have dealings with (a person, a store, an organization, etc.) usually to express disapproval or to force acceptance of certain conditions boycotting American products

Other Words from boycott Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about boycott

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Did You Know?

In the 1870s, Irish farmers faced an agricultural crisis that threatened to result in a repeat of the terrible famine and mass evictions of the 1840s. Anticipating financial ruin, they formed a Land League to campaign against the rent increases and evictions landlords were imposing as a result of the crisis. Retired British army captain Charles Boycott had the misfortune to be acting as an agent for an absentee landlord at the time, and when he tried to evict tenant farmers for refusing to pay their rent, he was ostracized by the League and community. His laborers and servants quit, and his crops began to rot. Boycott's fate was soon well known, and his name became a byword for that particular protest strategy.

Examples of boycott in a Sentence

plans to boycott American products They boycotted the city's bus system. We boycotted companies that were polluting the environment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Though the company said the move had no effect on U.S. jobs, some Harley owners vowed to boycott, CNBC reported. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "Trump urges customers to drop AT&T in move to punish CNN," 3 June 2019 Ellen DeGeneres has called on fans and friends alike to boycott several famous hotels—and for a very good reason. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Ellen DeGeneres Calls On Fans to Boycott These Famous Hotels," 3 Apr. 2019 The head of the state’s Democratic Party has called on residents to boycott the chain. — Jennie Neufeld, Vox, "Vox Sentences: Nicaragua expels the UN," 1 Sep. 2018 There were calls to boycott Star Wars: The Force Awakens over a black stormtrooper after John Boyega was cast in the role, according to The Guardian. — Matthew Wilson, USA TODAY, "Why did Kelly Marie Tran deleted Instagram? How the 'Star Wars' star was targeted by racist fans," 6 June 2018 Calls to boycott the NFL because of the anthem decision started immediately online. — Jeff Duncan, NOLA.com, "Thursday's 'Dunc & Holder:' How do you feel about the NFL's new National Anthem policy?," 24 May 2018 The announcement comes in response to public protests and calls to boycott the coffee chain. — CBS News, "Starbucks' Howard Schultz vows bias training day is "just the beginning"," 18 Apr. 2018 The two-day conference, which is expected to be attended by some 1,600 representatives of the Syrian government and opposition, is boycotted by the main Syria opposition negotiating body. — Mehmet Guzel, The Seattle Times, "Turkish forces target strategic hill near Syria’s Afrin," 28 Jan. 2018 In some editions Monday, a photo caption on Page One incorrectly said Mr. Falcón boycotted the election. — WSJ, "Corrections & Amplifications," 21 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boycott.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

18 Jun 2019

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The first known use of boycott was in 1880

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More Definitions for boycott

boycott

verb

English Language Learners Definition of boycott

: to refuse to buy, use, or participate in (something) as a way of protesting : to stop using the goods or services of (a company, country, etc.) until changes are made

See the full definition for boycott in the English Language Learners Dictionary

boycott

verb

boy·cott | \ ˈbȯi-ˌkät

boycotted; boycotting

Kids Definition of boycott

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to join with others in refusing to deal with someone (as a person, organization, or country) as a way of protesting or forcing changes

boycott

noun

Kids Definition of boycott (Entry 2 of 2)

: the process or an instance of joining with others in refusing to deal with someone (as a person, organization, or country) as a way of protesting or forcing changes

boycott

transitive verb

boy·cott | \ ˈbȯi-ˌkät

Legal Definition of boycott

: to engage in a concerted refusal to have dealings with (as a store, business, or organization) usually to express disapproval or to force acceptance of certain conditions — see also primary boycott, secondary boycott

Note: A boycott of a business by its competitors, suppliers, or buyers that has the effect of preventing the business's access to the market is a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.