Sekirov Dictionary

empty chair

noun 3
verb 1
forms 3

noun3

•
A podium or chair left empty to highlight the absence of someone from a debate.
- "Megyn Kelly and The Donald's empty chair made Thursday’s debate the most absurd moment of the election cycle—and that's really saying something!" — 2016
A position held by someone who is absent or otherwise ineffectual.
A chair which is used to personify the client's object of conflict

verb1

•
To draw attention to (a person who is absent from a debate) by providing an empty podium or chair which they would have occupied.
- "The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky have said they will “empty chair” any party leaders who refuse to take part in their revised proposals for TV election debates." — 2015

forms

empty chaired · empty chairing · empty chairs

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