BharatNotes Boycott
verb (transitive); nounUsage in a UPSC answer
When diplomatic remonstrance fails, states may choose to boycott a regime's exports, signalling moral disapproval while testing whether economic pressure can succeed where persuasion could not.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
boycott (n/v), boycotted (adj/v past), boycotting (v pres.p), boycotter (n), boycottable (adj)
Root
Eponym: Captain Charles C. Boycott (1832–1897), Irish land agent ostracised 1880; surname became common word within months
Etymology
Eponymously from Captain Charles C. Boycott (1832-1897), a land agent in County Mayo, Ireland, who was ostracised by the Irish Land League in 1880 when he refused to lower rents for tenant farmers; his name became a byword for the tactic within months.
Memory Hook
Picture a "boy" who is told to "cot" (cut off) from the group: a BOY-COT-t is everyone agreeing to cut someone off, just as villagers cut off Captain Boycott in 1880.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2025 — Modern India
- Prelims 2016 — Modern India
- Prelims 2010 — Modern India
- Mains 2015 · GS4 · 25 marks — Gender Ethics / Child Rights / Social Reform
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Boycott” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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