Definition

1. Verb:

   • To raise or lift something, especially something heavy, using ropes, pulleys, or other mechanical means. This is the core meaning, emphasizing the use of mechanical assistance.
   • To raise something into position. This can refer to flags, sails, or other objects that are lifted into their operational place.

2. Noun:

   • A device used for lifting heavy things. This refers to the equipment itself, such as a crane, winch, or elevator.
   • The act of hoisting or the distance something is hoisted.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:

  • The sailors worked together to hoist the heavy cargo onto the ship's deck.
  • Every morning, they hoist the national flag in front of the school.
  • We need to hoist this engine out of the car for repairs.

• Noun:

  • The construction crew used a powerful hoist to lift the steel beams.
  • The flag reached the top of the pole with a single, swift hoist.

Advanced Usage

• "To be hoist with/by one's own petard": This is an idiom meaning to be harmed or caught by one's own plan or device intended to harm someone else. It is a literary expression.
  • The corrupt politician was hoist with his own petard when the evidence he tried to hide was used against him.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoisting (gerund/noun): The act or process of lifting.
  • The hoisting of the sails signaled the start of the race.
• Hoistable (adjective): Capable of being hoisted.

Synonyms

• Raise: To move something to a higher position (a more general term).
• Lift: To elevate something (also general, but often implies direct physical effort).
• Heave: To lift or haul with great effort.
• Winch: To lift using a winch (a specific type of hoist).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hoist up: A more emphatic form of "hoist."
  • Can you help me hoist up this box onto the shelf?

Related Idioms

• Hoist the colors: A nautical phrase meaning to raise a flag, especially a pirate flag.
  • The pirate ship hoisted its colors before attacking.
• Hoist a few: (Informal) To have a few drinks.
  • After work, they went to the bar to hoist a few.

Noun

1. lifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objects

Verb

1. raise
   • hoist the flags
   • hoist a sail
2. move from one place to another by lifting
   • They hoisted the patient onto the operating table
3. raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help
   • hoist the bicycle onto the roof of the car