Hoist
hɔɪst
Definitions
2 meaningsTo raise or lift (something) using ropes and pulleys.
hɔɪst
To raise or lift something
The sailors hoisted the flag to signal their arrival.
💡 Simply: Think of hoisting like using a special rope system to pull something heavy up. Like when you see construction workers lifting big beams with a crane!
👶 For kids: To lift something up high, like raising a flag!
More Examples
The construction crew hoisted the final piece of the building.
He hoisted his suitcase onto the overhead compartment.
How It's Used
"Workers hoist the steel beams into place using a crane."
"The crew hoisted the sails to catch the wind."
An apparatus for lifting heavy objects, typically consisting of ropes or chains passing over a wheel or drum.
hɔɪst
An apparatus for raising materials
The hoist malfunctioned, delaying the construction project.
💡 Simply: A hoist is like a special machine that makes it easy to lift really heavy things, using ropes or chains like an elevator, but for construction sites or factories.
👶 For kids: A machine that helps lift big, heavy things.
More Examples
The crane used a hoist to lift the heavy equipment.
The hoist was essential for moving materials to higher floors.
How It's Used
"The workers used a hoist to move materials."
"The hoist lifted the car engine."
Idioms & expressions
hoist by one's own petard
To be harmed or ruined by one's own actions or plans; to be caught in one's own trap.
"The politician, who had spread false rumors about his opponent, was hoist by his own petard when his own scandals came to light."
From Middle English *hoise*, from Middle Dutch *hīsen* (“to raise, hoist”), from Old Dutch *hīsjan*, from Proto-Germanic *haitijaną* (“to lift, raise”).
The word 'hoist' has been used since the 15th century and originally referred to the act of lifting or raising something. It has also been used as a noun to describe the apparatus used for lifting.
Memory tip
Imagine lifting heavy objects with a system of ropes.
Word Origin
"to raise"