I. ˈbüst transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. : to push or shove from below to or towards a higher level
they boosted him up so he could climb the oak tree
2.
a. : to increase (as a price) by a numerically expressible amount : raise
plans to boost production by 30 percent next year
b. : to aid or assist especially towards progress or increase
an extra holiday to boost morale
3. : to promote the cause or interests of (as a person, city, idea) with enthusiasm and determination : recommend vigorously : plug
they began to boost him for the presidency early
an advertising program to boost local products abroad
4.
a.
(1) : to raise the voltage of or across (an electric circuit)
(2) : to charge (a storage battery) at a high rate for a short time
b. : to augment (as by a supercharger) the natural supply of air to (an internal-combustion engine)
c. : to increase the pressure of (as a fluid)
d. : to control or regulate by increase of pressure
5. slang : steal ; especially : shoplift
Synonyms: see lift
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an act of boosting : a push upwards
give him a boost so he can climb over the fence
2. : an increase especially of prices, wages, production
a boost in potato acreage
a bass boost on an amplifier
3. : assistance or commendation that betters position or enhances reputation
music criticism … was given a boost as an academic subject — Saturday Review
4. : an uplift or encouragement
gave the free world a tonic boost — New Yorker