/ buːst; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
to make sth increase, or become better or more successful :
to boost exports / profits
The movie helped boost her screen career.
to boost sb's confidence / morale
Getting that job did a lot to boost his ego (= make him feel more confident) .
2.
( NAmE , informal , becoming old-fashioned ) to steal sth
■ noun [ usually sing. ]
1.
something that helps or encourages sb/sth :
a great / tremendous / welcome boost
The tax cuts will give a much needed boost to the economy.
Winning the competition was a wonderful boost for her morale.
2.
an increase in sth :
a boost in car sales
3.
an increase in power in an engine or a piece of electrical equipment
4.
( especially NAmE ) an act of pushing sb up from behind :
He gave her a boost over the fence.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 19th cent. (originally US, in sense 4): of unknown origin.