WordGarden.ioboost
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈuːst/
US
- /ˈbust/
Meanings
Verb
to increase, improve, or help raise something
to lift, push, or propel someone or something upward
to raise the power, pressure, voltage, or signal strength of a system
Noun
an increase or extra help that improves energy, confidence, or performance
an extra burst or increase of power, pressure, or signal strength in a system
Beyond the definition
Think of giving something a little push forward—that's what "boost" means! A boost can be anything from a shot of energy in the morning to a helpful nudge for your career. If you get a good grade on a test, it might boost your confidence. Or maybe a new law will boost the economy. It's all about making something better or stronger. You can even boost someone's spirits with kind words! The word comes from an old sense of lifting someone up from behind—imagine helping a friend climb over a wall; that's giving them a boost.
To "boost" something means to help it increase, improve, or become more effective. It implies providing support or encouragement to elevate something to a higher level. For example: "The new marketing campaign is expected to boost sales," meaning the campaign will help increase sales figures.
A boost can be tangible—like an economic stimulus package designed to boost growth—or intangible, such as a pep talk meant to boost morale. You might boost your immune system with vitamins, or boost your productivity by taking regular breaks.
The word has evolved over time. Originally, it referred to pushing or lifting something upwards (like helping someone over an obstacle). This sense of upward movement still underlies the modern meaning—a boost always implies making things go up, whether that's in quantity, quality, or spirit. It's often used in contexts where a positive change is desired or expected.
So, whether it's a surge of energy, an increase in numbers, or a lift in spirits, to "boost" something is to give it a helping hand toward improvement and success.
Examples
- 1
Morning energy
This playlist always boosts my energy in the morning.
- 2
Business sales
The company cut prices to boost sales.
- 3
Job interview
A few extra lessons really boosted her confidence before the interview.
- 4
Economic policy
The government hopes the new policy will boost the economy.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emotional support
A kind message from a friend can give you a real boost on a hard day.
- Phrasegive someone a boost
make someone feel more confident or positive
- 6
Publicity effect
Online bookings got a big boost after the hotel was featured in a travel blog.
- Phraseget a boost
increase or improve because of something
- 7
Team morale
The win was a huge boost for the whole team.
- Patterna boost for + person/group/situation
something helpful that improves a situation
- 8
Afternoon energy
I usually have a coffee when I need a quick boost in the afternoon.
- Phrasea quick boost
a quick increase in energy
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- boostnounverb
Forms
- boosting-ing formverbnoun
- boostedpast tenseverbnoun
- boostspluralnounverb