boost

1 of 2

verb

ˈbüst 

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.

intransitive verb

slang : shoplift

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

Synonyms

Verb

• heave
• heft
• hoist
• jack (up)
• upheave

Noun

• abetment
• aid
• assist
• assistance
• backing
• hand
• help
• helping hand
• leg up
• lift
• support

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?

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Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This puts extra strain on the organ, boosting someone’s heart rate and blood pressure—and increasing their risk of heart failure. —Korin Miller, SELF, 21 Sep. 2023

This light-therapy lamp simulates daylight without harmful UV rays to help boost moods and kick the winter blues. —Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2023

Exercise Regularly Regular exercise is the best and most natural way to boost your metabolism. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2023

Even if Congress does fund the government in time, lawmakers are not expected to renew pandemic-era funding that boosted child-care programs. —Tony Romm, Washington Post, 22 Sep. 2023

If anything, then, energy revenues are boosting the dollar, not impairing its value. —Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2023

The saga began with the passage of AB 257, which established a council that could have boosted wages to $22 by 2024. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2023

The company also boosted its minimum hourly compensation to $22 from $20. —Mark Gurman, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2023

His skepticism of the media won him right-wing fans, including Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson, who are now boosting viral conspiracy theories about allegations against the actor. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 19 Sep. 2023

Noun

Swap the mayonnaise for mashed avocado for an extra nutritional boost. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 26 Sep. 2023

Kendra says the experience turned into a huge confidence boost. —Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2023

Leos should expect a powerful boost this season as the energetic shift will tap into their curiosity and passion. —Bianca London, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2023

Read more: Best Tech Gifts Your favorite guy’s self-care practices will get a major boost with these gifts. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 21 Sep. 2023

Additionally, Microsoft says the Surface Hub 3 offers a 60 percent increase in processing power and a 160 percent graphics performance boost. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2023

The extensive rail network is getting a further boost with a 14-billion-euro initiative that will connect Bordeaux with two cities: Toulouse, in Occitaine, and Dax, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, essentially making the destinations reachable from Paris within a three-hour train ride. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2023

Pro tip: To give short stems a boost, fill the bottom of your vase with pebbles or lemons and limes. —Michelle Brunner, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023

The proposals are about half the 40% wage hike the UAW is demanding through 2027, including an immediate 20% boost. —Reuters, NBC News, 18 Sep. 2023

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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

Kids Definition

boost

1 of 2 verb

ˈbüst 

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

ˈbüst 

: 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