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boost (bst)
Share:
v. boost·ed, boost·ing, boosts
v. tr.
1. To raise or lift by pushing up from below. See Synonyms at lift.
2.
a. To increase; raise: boost prices; efforts to boost participation in the program; moved my wireless router away from obstructions in order to boost its signal.
b. To assist in further development or progress: a bill intended to boost local charities.
3. To stir up enthusiasm for; promote vigorously: boosted their school with rallies and fund drives.
4. Slang To steal or rob, especially by shoplifting or pickpocketing.
v. intr.
Slang To engage in stealing, especially shoplifting or pickpocketing.
n.
1. A push upward or ahead.
2. An encouraging act or comment.
3. An increase: a big boost in salary.
[Perhaps from dialectal boostering, bustling, active.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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