hoist
B2Semi-formal, Technical, Nautical
Definition
Meaning
to lift or raise something, especially with mechanical assistance.
To raise something heavy or difficult to move manually; to lift a flag or sail into position; to elevate by means of ropes, pulleys, or machinery.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a deliberate, effortful, or mechanical action. Can have a metaphorical use meaning 'to increase' (e.g., hoist prices).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The term is common in nautical contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Shares connotations of effort, mechanics, and preparation. In US English, 'hoist' is slightly more common in industrial/construction contexts.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly higher in UK English in historical/nautical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
hoist somethinghoist something uphoist something onto/into somethinghoist something alofthoist something into positionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hoist with one's own petard”
- “hoist the colours”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used metaphorically ('hoist prices').
Academic
Used in engineering, physics (mechanics), and historical texts.
Everyday
Limited; mostly for specific tasks like putting up a flag or lifting heavy objects with a pulley.
Technical
Common in nautical, construction, logistics, and mechanical engineering contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The crew worked together to hoist the lifeboat back onto its davits.
- We'll need a winch to hoist the generator onto the roof.
American English
- They hoisted the American flag at sunrise.
- The mechanics hoisted the engine out of the car with a chain lift.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They hoist the flag every morning.
- The sailors hoisted the sails to catch the wind.
- We used a pulley to hoist the box to the second floor.
- The construction crew hoisted the steel beam into place with a massive crane.
- He was hoisted by his own petard when his plan to discredit his rival backfired.
- The museum carefully hoisted the fragile antique cannon for display, using a custom-designed sling.
- The political party's attempt to hoist the banner of reform was met with widespread scepticism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOIST lifting a heavy OIster crate.
Conceptual Metaphor
INCREASE IS UP (hoist prices); PREPARATION IS RAISING (hoist the sails).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'host' (хозяин). The Russian 'поднимать' is broader; 'hoist' is more specific and mechanical.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hoist' for light, effortless lifting (incorrect).
- Confusing tense: 'hoisted' is the standard past form, not 'hoist'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hoist' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard past tense and past participle is 'hoisted' (e.g., They hoisted the sail). 'Hoist' is sometimes used as a past form, especially in nautical contexts, but 'hoisted' is more common and generally preferred.
Not exclusively, but it strongly implies something cumbersome or requiring mechanical aid. You wouldn't 'hoist' a cup of tea, but you might 'hoist' a heavy suitcase into an overhead locker.
It means to be harmed or defeated by one's own plan to harm someone else. A 'petard' was a small explosive device; the phrase literally means to be blown up by your own bomb.
It is a mid-frequency word (B2 level). It's common in specific domains like sailing, construction, and logistics, but less common in general everyday conversation where 'lift' or 'raise' are more frequent.