noun / verb
picket
PIK-it/ˈpɪkɪt/
a protest outside a site intended to discourage entry or draw attention to a dispute
The protesters picket outside the factory entrance.
Etymology
From piquet, “pointed stake,” picket came to name troops stationed ahead of an army to watch for enemies. It then named striking workers stationed outside a workplace to prevent others from entering.
More examples
- A picket discouraged deliveries.
- They picketed the office for a week.
- The workers are picketing peacefully.
Forms
picket · pickets · picketed · picketing
Similar words
- protest
- A broader expression of objection, not necessarily outside a site.
- demonstration
- Can involve a march or rally rather than a picket.