Definition

Verb: 1. To push or lift something or someone upward from below: To provide upward force or support, often with one's hands or body. 2. To raise or elevate something physically: To assist in moving something to a higher position.

Usage

The verb "boost up" is used to describe the physical action of lifting or pushing something upward. It often implies assisting someone or something to reach a higher level. It is typically used with a direct object (the thing or person being lifted).

Examples

• She boosted up her child so he could see over the fence.
• I had to boost up my friend so she could reach the window ledge.
• The mechanic boosted up the car to check the underside.

Advanced Usage

• "Boost up" can sometimes be used figuratively to mean to encourage or support someone emotionally or mentally, though this is less common than the physical meaning.
  • His kind words really boosted up my spirits before the presentation.

Variants and Related Words

• Boost (verb): A more common and general term meaning to increase, improve, or assist. "Boost up" is a specific phrasal verb of "boost."
  • The new campaign will boost sales. (Here, "boost" means to increase, not to lift physically. "Boost up" would not be appropriate in this context.)
• Lift up (phrasal verb): A very close synonym meaning to raise something physically.
• Heave up (phrasal verb): To lift or raise something with great effort.

Synonyms

• Lift up
• Raise up
• Heave up
• Hoist

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Boost (someone's) confidence/morale: To increase someone's confidence or morale.
  • Winning the first game boosted the team's confidence.
• Lift up: To raise physically or to inspire emotionally.
  • Please lift up the box. / Her speech lifted up the crowd.

Notes

"Boost up" is a separable phrasal verb. The object can often come between "boost" and "up." * She boosted her child up. * She boosted up her child.

Both sentences are correct and have the same meaning.

Verb

1. push upward
   • She pushed up her children when the policeman came by