Boykotte

Boykotte is the plural form of the German noun Boykott, used to refer to organized refusals to engage in trade or interaction with a person, company, or country as a form of protest or pressure.

Etymology: The term derives from the English boycotts, stemming from the Irish land agent Captain Charles Boycott; the German form Boykott entered the language in the late 19th or early 20th century, with the plural Boykotte.

Usage: In German-language media and discourse, Boykotte describe actions by consumers, associations, unions, or governments. They can target products, brands, institutions, or states. They may be single events or sustained campaigns.

Examples: Historical examples include the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–56) in the United States; international boycotts against apartheid-era South Africa; and the Arab League boycott of Israel. In business, boycotts may be used as a pressure tactic during labor disputes or in response to corporate policy decisions.

Legal and social context: Boycotts can be lawful forms of protest, but their legality and effectiveness vary by jurisdiction. Some boycotts may raise competition-law concerns if they involve coordinated actions among market participants.

See also: Boycott, Economic activism, Consumer activism.