boost

[ boost ]

verb (used with object)

1. to lift or raise by pushing from behind or below.
2. to advance or aid by speaking well of; promote:

   She always boosts her hometown.

3. to increase; raise:

   to boost prices;

   to boost the horsepower of the car by 20 percent.

4. to administer a booster shot to:

   Have you and your family been boosted yet?

5. Slang. to steal, especially to shoplift:

   Two computers were boosted from the office last night.

verb (used without object)

1. Slang. to engage in stealing, especially shoplifting.

noun

1. an upward shove or raise; lift.
2. an increase; rise:

   There's been a tremendous boost in food prices.

   Synonyms: uptick, upswing, upsurge, growth, hike

3. an act, remark, or the like, that helps one's progress, morale, efforts, etc.:

   His pep talk was the boost our team needed.

boost

/ buːst /

noun

1. encouragement, improvement, or help

   a boost to morale

2. an upward thrust or push

   he gave him a boost over the wall

3. an increase or rise

   a boost in salary

4. a publicity campaign; promotion
5. the amount by which the induction pressure of a supercharged internal-combustion engine exceeds that of the ambient pressure

verb

1. to encourage, assist, or improve

   to boost morale

2. to lift by giving a push from below or behind
3. to increase or raise

   to boost the voltage in an electrical circuit

4. to cause to rise; increase

   to boost sales

5. to advertise on a big scale
6. to increase the induction pressure of (an internal-combustion engine) above that of the ambient pressure; supercharge

boost

/ bo̅o̅st /

1. A linear map from one reference frame to another in which each coordinate is increased or decreased by an independent constant or linear function. A boost corresponds to a shift of the entire coordinate system without any rotation of its axes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of boost¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25; perhaps Scots dialect boose (variant of pouss push ) + (hoi)st

Word History and Origins

Origin of boost¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

He describes Biden's visit, and the investment in the Lobito Corridor, as a huge boost for Angola's efforts to change its image.

From BBC

The defence secretary says the strategy will help create a more innovative and resilient supply chain, and boost British industry.

From BBC

This can include more time off and pay that is boosted to full earnings or a higher rate than the statutory offer.

From BBC

Hoping to boost small businesses, the vice president called for expanding the tax incentive for startup expenses from $5,000 to $50,000.

From Los Angeles Times

On Saturday, Hallmark boosts its lineup with “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” — one of two cable TV movies debuting this season that were inspired by Swift and Kelce’s relationship.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• add to
• augment
• develop
• enlarge
• expand
• extend
• heighten
• jump
• raise