sitter-in

sitter-in

A mother hires a sitter-in to watch her children for the evening.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person who participates in a sit-in: "sitter-in" refers to an individual who takes part in a protest or demonstration where participants sit down in a public place and refuse to leave, typically to express dissent or demand change.
    • Alternative term for a babysitter (rare): In some informal contexts, "sitter-in" may be used as a synonym for a babysitter, though this usage is much less common.
Usage Examples

  • Participant in a sit-in:

    • The sitter-in refused to move until the university met the students' demands. (The protester remained seated during the demonstration.)
    • Police arrested several sitters-in for blocking the entrance to the government building. (Individuals who were part of the sit-in were taken into custody.)

  • Babysitter (rare):

    • She worked as a sitter-in for the neighbor's children last weekend. (She acted as a babysitter.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Sitter-in" as a compound noun: The term is formed from the verb phrase "sit in" (to occupy a space as a protest). It is hyphenated and used primarily in political or social activism contexts.
    • The group of sitters-in grew to over two hundred by noon. (The number of protesters increased throughout the day.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Sit-in (n): a form of protest where people sit down in a public place and refuse to leave.

    • The sit-in lasted for three days before the authorities intervened. (The protest continued for 72 hours.)

  • Sit-in (adj): relating to or characteristic of a sit-in.

    • The sit-in movement gained momentum during the civil rights era. (The protest method became popular in the 1960s.)

  • Sitter (n): a person who sits, especially one who models for an artist or cares for a child (babysitter).

    • The portrait painter needed a sitter for the afternoon. (A person to pose for the painting.)
Synonyms
  • Protester: a person who publicly demonstrates opposition to something.
  • Demonstrator: a person who takes part in a public protest.
  • Occupier: someone who occupies a space as part of a protest (e.g., in a sit-in).
Related Idioms

  • Sit in on: to attend a meeting, class, or event as an observer without participating actively.

    • The student was allowed to sit in on the lecture. (Attend as a non-participant.)

  • Sit tight: to wait patiently without taking action.

    • The sitters-in were told to sit tight until negotiations began. (Remain in place and wait.)