hoist

[hoist, hahyst]

verb (used with object)

1. to raise or lift, especially by some mechanical appliance.

   to hoist a flag; to hoist the mainsail.

   Synonyms: elevate
   Antonyms: lower

2. to raise to one's lips and drink; drink (especially beer or whiskey) with gusto.

   Let's go hoist a few beers.

3. Archaic.,  a simple past tense and past participle of hoise.

noun

1. an apparatus for hoisting, as a block and tackle, a derrick, or a crane.

2. act of hoisting; a lift.

   Give that sofa a hoist at your end.

3. Nautical.

   1. the vertical dimension amidships of any square sail that is hoisted with a yard.

   2. the distance between the hoisted and the lowered position of such a yard.

   3. the dimension of a fore-and-aft sail along the luff.

   4. a number of flags raised together as a signal.

4. (on a flag)

   1. the vertical dimension as flown from a vertical staff.

   2. the edge running next to the staff.

hoist

/ hɔɪst /

verb

1. (tr) to raise or lift up, esp by mechanical means

2. See petard

noun

1. any apparatus or device for hoisting

2. the act of hoisting

3. See rotary clothesline

4. nautical

   1. the amidships height of a sail bent to the yard with which it is hoisted Compare drop

   2. the difference between the set and lowered positions of this yard

5. nautical the length of the luff of a fore-and-aft sail

6. nautical a group of signal flags

7. the inner edge of a flag next to the staff Compare fly 1

Other Word Forms

• hoister noun
• unhoisted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoist¹

First recorded in 1540–50; later variant of hoise, with -t as in against, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoist¹

C16: variant of hoise, probably from Low German; compare Dutch hijschen, German hissen

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hoist by / with one's own petard. petard.

Synonym Study

See raise.

Example Sentences

In the prosperous Renfrewshire village of Bridge of Weir, the hoisting of saltires has led to a row on the local Facebook group.

Read more on BBC

After the final play, Neuheisel was hoisted into the air by his grateful players, winless no more.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Moments later, in the early dawn light, we saw a man hoist a child onboard an inflatable boat.

Read more on BBC

At a protest outside the El Capitan Theatre on Monday, one demonstrator hoisted a hand-made sign saying: “The Mouse is a Cowardly Louse.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Volunteers quickly hoisted the rebellious turtle back to the shore break, where, eventually, she dove back into the waves.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• erect 
• heave 
• pick up