Buoy Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of BUOY

[count]

:

an object that floats on water in a lake, bay, river, etc., to show areas that are safe or dangerous for boats

— see also life buoy

Britannica Dictionary definition of BUOY

[+ object]

1

:

to cause (someone) to feel happy or confident

— usually used as (be) buoyed

• Buoyed by the success of her first novel, she began work on a second.

— often + up

• He felt buoyed up by the support and encouragement of his friends and family.

2

:

to lift or improve (something)

• The tax breaks should help to buoy the economy.

— usually used as (be) buoyed

• His spirits were buoyed [=_uplifted, raised_] by the good news.

— often + up

• The falling leaf was buoyed up by a current of air.