# boost

> English word · Noun · IPA /buːst/ · frequency rank #3,545

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

## Etymology
Unknown. The verb is first recorded 1815; the noun, 1825. Compare Scots boost (“to move; drive off; shoo away”), bost, boast (“to threaten; scold”), Middle English boosten, bosten (“to threaten”). Possible doublet of boast.

## Easily confused with
- **bot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bot)
- **boys** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-boys)
- **boss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-boss)
- **boot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-boot)
- **bros** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bros)
- **bout** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bout)
- **bust** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bust)
- **bows** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bows)
- **Bose** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bose)
- **bosh** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bosh)
- **boots** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-boots)
- **burst** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-burst)
- **booth** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-booth)
- **booze** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-booze)
- **booty** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-booty)
- **bossy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-bossy)
- **Brest** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-brest)
- **booster** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boost-vs-booster)
- **boo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boo-vs-boost)
- **best** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/best-vs-boost)

## Common misspellings (6)
`bboost`, `boosst`, `boostt`, `bosot`, `bost`, `obost`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/boost