Definition

To act as a person or group standing outside a place to protest or to show support for a cause.

Example

The workers decided to picket outside the factory to demand better wages.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Are you planning to picket with us this weekend?

Yeah, I think it's important to support the cause.

I agree! It's our chance to make our voices heard while we picket.

Absolutely, I can't wait to be part of it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A pointed stake or post that is often used to support a fence or mark a boundary, or a person or group standing outside a place to protest or express grievances.

Example

The workers set up a picket outside the factory to demand better wages.

Conversation

Did you see the people picket outside the store today?

Yeah, I heard they were protesting for better working conditions.

It's really important to support their cause, though.

Definition

To enclose or secure an area with pointed stakes or to guard a place by placing people in a specific position, often during a strike or protest.

Example

The workers decided to picket outside the factory to protest against unfair wages.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the protest downtown?

Yeah, they plan to picket outside the city hall.

I wonder how many people will actually show up to picket.

Root Explanation

Picket → The word originates from Middle French *piquet*, meaning a pointed stake or post. It refers to a stake used to secure a fence or a person standing guard, hence the modern usage in labor strikes.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'pointed stake' ('piquet') that is used to secure something, which helps you remember that a picket can refer to a stake or a person standing guard.

Visually Confused Words