/booh"ee, boy/ , n.
1. Naut. a distinctively shaped and marked float, sometimes carrying a signal or signals, anchored to mark a channel, anchorage, navigational hazard, etc., or to provide a mooring place away from the shore.
2. a life buoy.
v.t.
3. to keep afloat or support by or as if by a life buoy; keep from sinking (often fol. by up ): The life jacket buoyed her up until help arrived.
4. Naut. to mark with a buoy or buoys.
5. to sustain or encourage (often fol. by up ): Her courage was buoyed by the doctor's assurances.
v.i.
6. to float or rise by reason of lightness.
[ 1425-75; late ME boye a float boie, boue ( e ) ]
Syn. 5. lift, uplift, boost, lighten; maintain, nurture.