empty chair

empty chair (plural empty chairs)

1. (psychotherapy) A chair which is used to personify the client's object of conflict
2. A podium or chair left empty to highlight the absence of someone from a debate.
   • 2016, Jon Kelly, “Inside the Trump-less Fox News Debate: V.F. Contributors Offer Analysis in Real-Time”, in Vanity Fair:

     "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!"

3. A position held by someone who is absent or otherwise ineffectual.

empty chair (third-person singular simple present empty chairs, present participle empty chairing, simple past and past participle empty chaired)

1. (transitive, debating) To draw attention to (a person who is absent from a debate) by providing an empty podium or chair which they would have occupied.
   • 2015, John Plunkett, TV debates: broadcasters will 'empty chair' leaders who refuse to take part The Guardian‎:

     "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."

   • 2017, May Bullman, “TV broadcasters considering 'empty chair' for Theresa May after she refuses to take part in leaders' debate”, in The Independent:

     "When later asked if Ms May would be “empty chaired”, a spokesperson also refused to rule out the possibility, saying the full plans would be announced in early May."

• hermatypic