The term "boycott" refers to the decision to stop using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as a way to protest or bring about change. It is often done in response to policies, practices, or behaviors that individuals or groups find objectionable or unjust. By withdrawing support, the aim is to create economic pressure and encourage the targeted party to alter their actions.
The word "boycott" originates from the name of Charles Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland in the late 19th century. As a result of his oppressive treatment of tenants, the local Irish Land League organized a campaign against him, urging people to refuse to work for or interact with him. This led to the term "boycott" being used to describe such collective refusal.