Definition of "boost" []

• To raise or lift by pushing up from behind or below. See Synonyms at lift. (verb-transitive)
• To increase; raise: boost prices; efforts to boost participation in the program. (verb-transitive)
• To assist in further development or progress: a bill intended to boost local charities. (verb-transitive)
• To stir up enthusiasm for; promote vigorously: boosted their school with rallies and fund drives. (verb-transitive)
• Electricity To increase the voltage of (a circuit). (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A title boost can be a nice carrot for senior associates who might otherwise be disappointed with their year-end pay."
• "Governments can give a short term boost to growth by increasing borrowing but there is a longer term cost, just as we are all today paying for the mistakes by Brown and Balls after 2003."
• "The retail industry may have been saved in the nick of time from a disastrous Christmas, and can now be more confident Santa is coming to town and trade will be enjoying at least a short term boost over the festive season."