Walkout
/ˈwɔːk.aʊt/noun
A sudden departure from a place, meeting, job, or event, especially as a protest.
Did you know?Unlike words with ancient magical roots, *walkout* is a modern English compound whose force comes from social ritual: the act of leaving becomes a public spell of refusal.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
wealcan
“to roll, toss, or move about”
Old English
OE
wealcan / wealcian
“to move or go on foot; later development into 'walk'”
Middle English
ME
walken
“to go on foot; travel by walking”
16th Century
English
walk out
“to go out walking; later, to leave abruptly”
19th Century
English
walkout
“a collective departure, especially as a labor protest”
Modern English
English
walkout
“a sudden departure, especially in protest or disagreement”