buoy

American  

[boo-ee, boi] / ˈbu i, bɔɪ /

noun

1. Nautical. a distinctively shaped and marked float, sometimes carrying a signal or signals, anchored to mark a channel, anchorage, navigational hazard, etc., or to provide a mooring place away from the shore.

2. a life buoy.

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verb (used with object)

1. to keep afloat or support by or as if by a life buoy; keep from sinking (often followed byup ).

   The life jacket buoyed her up until help arrived.

2. Nautical. to mark with a buoy or buoys.

3. to sustain or encourage (often followed byup ).

   Her courage was buoyed by the doctor's assurances.

   Synonyms:

   nurture, maintain, lighten, boost, uplift, lift

verb (used without object)

1. to float or rise by reason of lightness.

buoy British  

/ ˈbuːɪ, bɔɪ /

noun

1. a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water See also life buoy

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verb

1. to prevent from sinking

   the belt buoyed him up

2. to raise the spirits of; hearten

3. (tr) nautical to mark (a channel or obstruction) with a buoy or buoys

4. (intr) to rise to the surface

Etymology

Origin of buoy

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English boye “a float,” from unattested Middle French boie, boue(e), from Germanic; akin to beacon

Example Sentences

Are such distinctions too complicated for readers, needing to be buoyed by rah-rah of one kind or another?

From The Wall Street Journal

“A speedy resolution to the conflict with Iran leading to a quick drop in gasoline prices and a rebound in the stock market would likely buoy consumer sentiment,” said Faucher.

From Barron's

Even in the near term, economists say global demand could remain robust, buoyed by possible widespread policy easing as global policymakers scramble to cushion shock from the Iran war.

From The Wall Street Journal

The van buoys like a boat on a stormy lake until we finally reach the spot.

From Literature

But she was looking right through Clare, her gaze reaching for some place beyond, buoyed by some hopeful idea.

From Literature

Related Words

• beacon