Hoist

/hɔɪst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a device used for lifting or raising heavy objects.

The construction site was equipped with a hoist to facilitate heavy lifting.

an act of raising or lifting something.

With a quick hoist, they raised the banner for all to see.

verb

to raise or lift something, especially using a mechanical device.

The workers used a crane to hoist the heavy steel beams into place.

to raise (a flag) to a high position, especially on a flagpole.

We will hoist the national flag at dawn on Independence Day.

to increase the size or amount of something, often used figuratively.

The company plans to hoist its production capacity to meet the growing demand.

Middle English, from Old Norse 'heysta' meaning 'to raise' or 'to uplift'.

hoist the flag:

To raise a flag, typically to signal or show allegiance.

hoist by one's own petard:

To be harmed by one's own plan or device.

To hoist up a drink

Let's hoist a few at the bar after work.

To hoist someone up

He was so happy; they hoisted him up in celebration.