Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
BOOST
I. verb
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1801
transitive verb to push or shove up from below, increase , raise , to promote the cause or interests of ; plug , to raise the voltage of or across (an electric circuit), steal , shoplift , intransitive verb shoplift , see: lift
II. noun
Date: 1801
a push upward, an act that brings help or encouragement ; assist , an increase in amount