# boycotting

/ˈbɔɪˌkɑtɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈɔɪkɒtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boycotting
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. protesting by refusing to buy

verb · CEFR B2

refusing to buy products or use services from a company or country to show you disagree with them.

For teachers: engaging in a concerted refusal to purchase, use, or trade with an entity as a punitive or coercive measure.

- Many people are boycotting the clothing brand because of its poor working conditions.
- The international community began boycotting the regime's exports in a coordinated effort to pressure the government into human rights reforms.

Usage: Often followed by a direct object representing the entity being avoided.

### 2. the act of protest

noun · CEFR B2

the action of refusing to deal with a person or organisation as a protest.

For teachers: the act or instance of participating in a boycott; functions as a gerund or verbal noun.

- The boycotting of the local bus company lasted for several months.
- Widespread boycotting of the new tax laws led to a significant decrease in government revenue over the fiscal year.

## Examples

- They are boycotting the store because of its high prices.
- Several environmental groups are currently boycotting the airline to protest its lack of carbon-reduction targets.
- By boycotting the textile manufacturer, the international coalition successfully pressured the board of directors into implementing more rigorous safety standards for their factory workers.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.