Devices or substances that increase power, effectiveness, or immunity. Can refer to rocket engines, medical vaccines, or enthusiastic supporters.
From 'boost' (meaning to lift or push up) plus the agent suffix '-er'. The verb 'boost' originated in American English around 1815, possibly from dialectal 'boost' meaning 'to push from below'.
The word 'booster' beautifully demonstrates semantic expansion - starting with mechanical devices that literally boost power, it grew to include immune system boosters (vaccines), confidence boosters (encouragement), and booster clubs (enthusiastic supporters). Each usage maintains the core idea of 'making something stronger or more effective'.
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