Definition

1. Noun:

   • An act of pushing or lifting upward: A physical push or lift that helps someone or something move upward or forward.
   • An increase in amount, level, or value: A rise or improvement in something such as price, morale, or performance.
   • Help, encouragement, or support: Something that provides hope, confidence, or assistance.

2. Verb:

   • To push or lift something upward: To help someone or something move to a higher position by pushing from below.
   • To increase or improve something: To make something larger, better, or more successful.
   • To promote or support the growth of something: To help something develop, progress, or become more popular.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • He gave me a boost so I could climb over the wall. (He gave me a push/lift.)
  • The new advertising campaign provided a major boost to sales. (The campaign caused a significant increase in sales.)
  • Her kind words were a real boost to my confidence. (Her words provided support/encouragement.)

• Verb:

  • We boosted the box onto the shelf. (We lifted the box up.)
  • The government hopes to boost the economy with new policies. (The government hopes to improve the economy.)
  • This discovery could boost our understanding of the disease. (This discovery could promote/grow our understanding.)

Advanced Usage

• "to get a boost": to receive help, encouragement, or an increase.
  • The team got a boost from the crowd's cheering.
• "to give someone/something a boost": to provide help, encouragement, or an increase to someone or something.
  • A good night's sleep can give your energy levels a boost.

Variants and Related Words

• Booster (n): 1. A person or thing that boosts, such as a supporter or fan. 2. An extra dose of a vaccine to increase immunity. 3. A rocket engine used to provide initial thrust.
  • He is a real booster for the local football team.
  • I went to get my flu booster shot.

Synonyms

• Noun: Lift, push, rise, increase, enhancement, encouragement, stimulus.
• Verb: Raise, lift, hoist, increase, enhance, improve, promote, encourage, stimulate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Boost up: To lift or raise someone or something; to encourage or make someone feel more confident.
  • Can you boost me up so I can see over the fence? (Lift me.)
  • His praise really boosted her up. (Made her feel encouraged.)

Related Idioms

• A shot in the arm: Something that boosts energy, morale, or activity. (Note: This is a synonym, not a direct idiom with "boost").
  • The new investment was a shot in the arm for the project.

Noun

1. the act of giving a push
   • he gave her a boost over the fence
2. an increase in cost
   • they asked for a 10% rise in rates
3. the act of giving hope or support to someone

Verb

1. push or shove upward, as if from below or behind
   • The singer had to be boosted onto the stage by a special contraption
2. increase or raise
   • boost the voltage in an electrical circuit
3. contribute to the progress or growth of
   • I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom
4. give a boost to; be beneficial to
   • The tax cut will boost the economy
5. increase
   • The landlord hiked up the rents