boost
/buːst/
verb
Origin
English
boost — a push or lift
Overview
Meaning Now
- To help or encourage something to increase or improve.
- To push something from below.
- To increase the power, pressure, or effectiveness of an engine or electrical circuit.
Literal older meaning
to lift or push upward
Language path
English
Earliest form
boost
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The term first emerged in American English around 1815, likely as a slang or dialectal word. Some linguists suggest it may be related to the verb 'bost' or 'busk', but it remains largely considered a word of obscure origin, possibly mimicking the sound of an upward thrust or a sudden jump.
Evolution
- Early 19th century
boost
“to lift or shove from below”
Appears in American dialectal English.
- Late 19th century
boost
“to promote or advertise aggressively”
Used in the context of business and community promotion.
- 20th century
boost
“to increase power or output”
Applied to engines and electrical currents.
Connections
Word parts
boost
root
to lift or increase
Explore next
Related to boost
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.