boost

Pronunciation: /buːst/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the act of giving hope or support to someone
  2. noun an increase in cost
  3. noun the act of giving a push

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

encouragement

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
aid
Narrower (hyponyms)
morale building

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