boost

1 of 2

verb

boosted; boosting; boosts

transitive verb

1
: to push or shove up from below
boosted him up over the fence
2
: increase, raise
plans to boost production
an extra holiday to boost morale
3
: to promote the cause or interests of : plug
a campaign to boost the new fashions
4
: to raise the voltage of or across (an electric circuit)
5
slang : steal, shoplift
6
: to administer a booster shot to
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the practice of boosting people with a shot that's different from their primary series.Adria Cimino
Mr. Biden … pleaded with Americans to get vaccinated or boosted with an extra dose if they haven't already, saying the shots appeared to stave off deaths from the previous worrisome mutation, the delta variant.Tom Howell, Jr.

boost

2 of 2

noun

1
: a push upward
gave her a boost into the saddle
2
: an act that brings help or encouragement : assist
an innovation that has been a boost to the entire industry
3
: an increase in amount
a boost in prices
Choose the Right Synonym for boost

lift, raise, rear, elevate, hoist, heave, boost mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position.

lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

rear may add an element of suddenness to raise.

suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs

elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

Examples of boost in a Sentence

Verb She boosted the boy onto his father's shoulders. boosted the child into her car seat Noun a boost in wheat production Exercise can sometimes provide a boost of energy. After layoffs at the company, employees needed a boost in morale. One company's innovation has proven to be a boost to the entire industry. Give the boy a boost onto the stage, will you?
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Citrus peels also possess antioxidants that help fight free radicals, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and boost skin health. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024 The case against the 15-year-old accused of bringing AR-15 components to Bostrom High School is still active in the justice system, and the incident renewed urgency to boost security within Phoenix Union schools. The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024 Drawing foreigners in can help boost local economies, particularly in smaller Italian towns where populations are dwindling as local residents age. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024 Another pending county land deal could boost Swerdlow’s chances. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024 The moves came as San Diego passed a camping ban that boosted penalties for living in a tent, and while there have been few prosecutions, the ordinance appeared to cause a drop in the downtown homeless population. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024 China badly wants foreign investment to boost its sluggish economy. Ken Moritsugu, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024 Despite some damage to cars, homes and roads, the UAE's state news agency says the rainfall boosts the country's groundwater reserves. Aya Batrawy, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024 Since lockdowns ended, Deliveroo and its peers have focused on cutting costs and exiting non-core markets to boost profitability. Chloé Meley, Fortune Europe, 18 Apr. 2024
Noun
While Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson don’t need the extra attention from Beyoncé, the legacy artist most likely to get the biggest boost from her presence on the album is Linda Martell, the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2024 Maine 12-month inflation: 1.9% Maine got a big boost during the pandemic as residents of larger New England cities such as Boston moved to the less populated area, Kamins says. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024 Major football tournaments provide less of a boost to the chain than rival operators because JD Wetherspoon only shows the big games and is less centered around sports. Chloé Meley, Fortune Europe, 8 Apr. 2024 Gasoline stockpiles on the populous East Coast are tightening and manufacturing activity in the US and China is also signaling a boost in fuel use. Lucia Kassai, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2024 In the Betty is Back, this little teaspoon of St. Germain gives an ever-so-gentle fleshiness to the orange fruit, with a floral boost. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024 Still, simply by naming these artists, Beyoncé has given them a demonstrable boost in streams and fans. Leah Asmelash, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024 Contains weight loss compounds - Green tea also has caffeine, which can help the body to burn fat more efficiently while also offering a mild energy boost. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 Infused with top-grade Delta 10 THC, this THC cartridge may deliver a greater sense of creativity and inspiration alongside offering an energy boost. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boost.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

of obscure origin

Noun

noun derivative of boost entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1801, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boost was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near boost

Cite this Entry

“Boost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boost. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

boost

1 of 2 verb
1
: to push or shove up from below
2
: to increase in force, power, or amount
boost production
boost prices
3
: further entry 2, raise
boost morale
4
: to support enthusiastically : plug

boost

2 of 2 noun
1
: a push upward
2
: an increase in amount
a boost in production
3
: an act that gives help or encouragement

Medical Definition

boost

transitive verb
: to administer a booster shot to
Cape Cod is getting assistance from the state in vaccinating and boosting people against COVID-19 with 12 free public vaccination clinics …Cynthia McCormick, Cape Cod Times (Hyannis, Massachusetts)
… the Anne Arundel County Department of Health would like to remind visitors to the Annapolis celebrations to get vaccinated (or boosted), wear a mask, and maintain distance.US Fed News

More from Merriam-Webster on boost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!