boost

Meanings

Noun

• A push from behind, as to one who is endeavoring to climb.
• Something that helps, or adds power or effectiveness; assistance.
• A coordinate transformation that changes velocity.
• A positive intake manifold pressure in cars with turbochargers or superchargers.

Verb

• To lift or push from behind (one who is endeavoring to climb); to push up.
• To help or encourage (something) to increase or improve; to assist in overcoming obstacles.
• To steal.
• To jump-start a vehicle by using cables to connect the battery in a running vehicle to the battery in a vehicle that won't start.
• To give a booster shot to.
• To amplify; to signal boost.

Origin

• Of unknown origin. The verb is first recorded 1815; the noun, 1825. Compare Scots boost ("to move; drive off; shoo away"), bost, boast, Middle English boosten, bosten.