What is a boycott?

A boycott is defined as a withdrawal from relations as a form of protest. This means that individuals or groups intentionally refrain from engaging with a specific entity—such as a business or organization—often to express disapproval of their practices or policies and to push for change. This form of protest allows participants to leverage economic pressure by reducing the target's revenues, thereby motivating them to reconsider their actions or policies.

The essence of a boycott lies in its communal nature, where a collective decision is made to stop using a product or service, rendering it a powerful tool in advocacy and social movements. Historical examples include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which aimed to challenge racial segregation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define a boycott. Negotiation typically involves discussions and bargaining between parties rather than a withdrawal. Voting implies a decision-making process in an electoral context, and an organized labor strike is a different form of collective action aimed at labor conditions, rather than a protest through withdrawal. Thus, the first choice is the most accurate and comprehensive definition of a boycott.