ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hoist

v.
C1 Advanced US //ˈhɔɪst// UK //hˈɔɪst// hoist Archaic Slang

v. to lift something heavy using a rope, a machine, or a lot of physical effort.

v. to raise or haul up a heavy object, typically by means of ropes and pulleys or mechanical equipment.


SIMPLE

The workers hoist the heavy crates onto the ship.

CONTEXTUAL

The construction crew used a crane to hoist the steel beams to the top floor of the skyscraper.

COMPLEX

After the victory, the sailors worked together to hoist the ceremonial flag, signaling their successful return to the harbor after months at sea.

Synonyms
Origin

Alteration of earlier hoise (“to hoist”), apparently based on the past tense forms, from Middle Dutch hisen (“to hoist”). Compare modern Dutch hijsen (“to hoist”), German hissen (“to hoist”), Danish hejse (“to hoist”). Compare also French hisser (“to hoist”), Galician isar (“to hoist”), Spanish izar (“to hoist”), Catalan hissar (“to hoist”), Italian issare (“to hoist”), Portuguese içar (“to hoist”), Sicilian jisari (“to hoist”), all borrowed from a Germanic source.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; often used with 'up'.

Idioms1 entry

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