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Added 9 October 2026

boost

/buːst/ noun

First recorded: 1815 Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about boost at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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

verb

Increase.
The landlord hiked up the rents
Give a boost to; be beneficial to.
The tax cut will boost the economy
Contribute to the progress or growth of.
I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom

Origin

Unknown. The verb is first recorded 1815; the noun, 1825. Compare Scots boost (“to move; drive off; shoo away”), bost, boast (“to threaten; scold”), Middle English boosten, bosten (“to threaten”). Possible doublet of boast.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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