Boot

Definition

Boot is a noun and a verb with multiple meanings. As a noun, it refers to a type of sturdy footwear that typically covers the ankle or lower leg. It can also mean the trunk of a car in British English or the process of starting up a computer. As a verb, it means to start up a computer or to forcefully remove someone or something from a place.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /buːt/
• Respelling: BOOT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /buːt/
• Respelling: BOOT

Etymology

The word "boot" comes from the Old French "bote," which referred to protective footwear. The term was adapted into Middle English, initially meaning a type of sturdy shoe. Its use in computing as a verb, meaning to start up a computer, comes from "bootstrap," referring to the idea of a system loading itself up from a small initial program.

Derivatives

• Booted (adjective)
• Booting (noun/verb)
• Reboot (verb)
• Bootloader (noun, computing)
• Bootleg (noun, informal)

Synonyms

• Shoe
• Trunk (British English synonym for car boot)
• Startup

Antonyms

• Shutdown
• Removal
• Unfasten

Usage

The term "boot" is widely used in various contexts, from fashion to computing. For example, "She wore hiking boots," or "The computer takes a few minutes to boot up."

Related Terms

• Shoe: A type of footwear.
• Startup: The act of starting up a machine, especially a computer.
• Trunk: The part of a car used for storage (known as "boot" in British English).

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A type of sturdy footwear that covers the ankle or lower leg: Refers to protective or supportive footwear, often worn in rugged conditions.
  • Example: "He wore heavy-duty boots for the hike."
• The trunk of a car (British English): Used in British English to refer to the storage compartment at the back of a car.
  • Example: "She put her bags in the boot of the car."
• The process of starting up a computer: Refers to the initial loading process when a computer is turned on.
  • Example: "The computer takes a few seconds to boot up."

Verb

• To start up a computer: Describes the process of powering on a computer and initiating its software.
  • Example: "He pressed the power button to boot the laptop."
• To forcibly remove someone or something from a place (informal): Used informally to describe ejecting or removing something.
  • Example: "They decided to boot him from the team."