Withholding, or inducing to withhold, social intercourse, goods or services in order to exert pressure on the person or institution against whom the boycott is directed. It is also employed to coerce a third party which is in some way dependent upon the goods or services of the person or institution boycotted.
The word originated in Ireland from the name of Captain Charles Boycott (1832-97), who was threatened and his property defaced when he refused to meet the demands of his tenants in regard to their rent.
The legality of labour boycotts must be determined by reference to statute law and relevant court decisions. Economic boycotts are widely used, as among those who advise rejection of investments which would support the Apartheid system of South Africa.