Basic Details
Word: Boycott
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To refuse to buy or use something as a way to show protest or disagreement.
Synonyms: Refuse, abstain, spurn
Antonyms: Support, endorse, participate
Idioms and Phrases
- Take a stand: To express or defend one's opinions firmly. Example: "She decided to take a stand against bullying by starting a campaign at school."
- Vote with your feet: To make a choice or express an opinion by leaving a situation. Example: "When the restaurant raised its prices, many customers voted with their feet and stopped eating there."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The community decided to boycott the company after it was discovered that they mistreated their workers.
Example 2: She chose to boycott the new film because the director had made some offensive comments.
Example 3: Many consumers are boycotting products that harm the environment in order to promote sustainability.
Fun Fact
The term "boycott" comes from the name of Charles Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland in the late 1800s. When he refused to lower rents for struggling farmers, the local community decided to stop doing business with him, which led to the creation of the term.
Famous Quote
"The true measure of a man is what he would do if he knew he would never be caught." - Lord A. W. in reference to making moral choices, sometimes leading to boycotts.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "boycott" mean?
a) To celebrate something
b) To refuse to buy or use something
c) To give a gift
d) To write a letter
Answer: b) To refuse to buy or use something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "boycott"?
a) Participate
b) Support
c) Refuse
d) Accept
Answer: c) Refuse
3. What is an antonym of "boycott"?
a) Abandon
b) Criticise
c) Support
d) Ignore
Answer: c) Support
4. Which sentence uses "boycott" correctly?
a) He decided to boycott the concert because he lost his ticket.
b) She plans to boycott the store after learning about its unfair practices.
c) They boycott at the party to have fun.
d) The child boycotts the candy because he doesn't like sweets.
Answer: b) She plans to boycott the store after learning about its unfair practices.
5. Which idiom relates to expressing an opinion by leaving?
a) Take a stand
b) Vote with your feet
c) Stand tall
d) Face the music
Answer: b) Vote with your feet
