Boot camp is a term used to describe an intense, rigorous training program. It originated in the military as a form of basic training for new recruits, designed to toughen them up and prepare them for service. The term has since been adopted by other fields such as technology, where it refers to a short-term, immersive course that teaches specific skills or knowledge. In popular culture, boot camp is also used more broadly to refer to any challenging experience or situation that requires toughness and resilience in order to succeed.