boost

 
Pronunciation: /buːst/

verb

[with object]
  • 1help or encourage (something) to increase or improve: a range of measures to boost tourism
  • amplify (an electrical signal): the specially designed circuit boosts signal strength
  • 2North American push from below: Andy boosted him up high enough to reach the keys
  • 3North American informal steal (something): he’d had his wallet boosted in a bar

noun

  • 1a source of help or encouragement leading to increase or improvement: the cut in interest rates will give a further boost to the economy
  • an increase or improvement: a boost in exports
  • 2North American a push from below.

Origin:

early 19th century (originally US, in boost (sense 2 of the verb)): of unknown origin