This document provides definitions for various vocabulary terms related to the Revolutionary War, including: boycott, propaganda, loyalist, tory, patriot, petition, grievance, neutral, mercenary, recruit, deserter, blockade, ambush, ratify, and compromise. It also provides examples of how some of these terms were used during the Revolutionary War period.

1. Revolutionary War Vocabulary

2. boycott To refuse to buy items from a particular country or business

5. propoganda Ideas or information designed to be spread to influence opinion

6. President Bush Kills Big Bird in Bitter Budget Fight

7. loyalist What root word do you see in loyalist?

8. Colonist who remained loyal to Great Britain

9. tory Another name for a loyalist. Was used in an angry or negative way.

10. patriot Colonists who were determined to fight the British for their freedom

12. petition a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power.

14. grievance a complaint or resentment, as against an unjust or unfair act: to have a grievance against someone

16. neutral Taking no side in a conflict

17. Some of the Indians remained neutral in the Revolutionary War The green areas of the map show the countries who are neutral in the Iraq War.

18. merecenary Paid soldier who serves in the army of a foreign country

20. recruit To enlist soldiers in the army

22. deserter Soldier who runs away from battle and war

24. blockade Cut off an area by means of troops or warships to stop supplies or people from coming in or going out; to close a country’s port

26. ambush A surprise attack

28. ratify To give official approval to

30. compromise Agreement between two or more sides in which each side gives up some of what it wants.

31. Describe a time you had to compromise with someone in your family. What did you have to change or give up? What did the other person have to change or give up?