# boost

/ˈbust/ (US) · /bˈuːst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boost
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to increase or improve

verb · CEFR B1

to help something grow, improve, or become more successful.

For teachers: to augment, encourage, or promote the growth or progress of something. Transitive; requires a direct object such as 'confidence', 'sales', or 'morale'.

- The warm weather helped to boost ice cream sales this month.
- The central bank's decision to lower interest rates was intended to boost consumer spending and stimulate the sluggish economy.

### 2. to lift physically

verb · CEFR B2

to push someone up from below so they can reach something high.

For teachers: to provide a physical lift or upward push to someone, typically to assist them in climbing.

- He boosted his daughter up so she could see over the tall fence.
- The hikers had to boost each other over the rocky ledge to reach the summit before the sun went down.

### 3. to steal

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to steal something, especially from a shop.

For teachers: to shoplift or steal merchandise. Primarily used in informal or criminal contexts.

- He was caught trying to boost a pair of expensive headphones from the electronics store.
- The security footage clearly showed the suspect attempting to boost several high-end watches from the display case.

### 4. an improvement or help

noun · CEFR B1

something that helps you feel better or makes a situation more successful.

For teachers: an act or event that brings about an increase in power, value, or emotional state.

- Winning the first game gave the whole team a huge confidence boost.
- The unexpected endorsement from the industry leader provided a significant boost to the startup's reputation among investors.

### 5. engine pressure

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the extra power in a car engine from a turbocharger.

For teachers: the increase in manifold pressure above atmospheric pressure in an internal combustion engine, typically via a supercharger or turbocharger.

- The driver felt the boost kick in as the car accelerated down the straight track.
- The mechanic adjusted the wastegate to ensure the engine maintained a consistent level of boost during high-speed performance.

## Examples

- The good news gave my confidence a huge boost.
- The government hopes the new tax cuts will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy this winter.
- While the initial investment provided a significant boost to the startup's research capabilities, the long-term success of the project depended on sustainable organic growth rather than external funding.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.