U.S. [see BOOM sb.3]
1. intr. To ‘go off’ with a ‘boom’; to burst into sudden activity or briskness; to make rapid (commercial) progress, to advance vigorously.
1879. Lumberman’s Gaz., 15 Oct. Every one says business is booming.
1882. Mary Hallock Foote, in Century Mag., XXV. 101/2. The gay, storm-beleaguered camp, in the words of its exhibitory press, began to ‘boom.’
1883. Leis. Ho., 283/2. This metropolis … has boomed into something highly commonplace and respectable.
2. trans. To give a ‘boom’ to; to push, puff, force upon public attention, ‘write up.’ Also absol. To work up a ‘boom.’
1879. Indianapolis Jrnl., 23 April. The rest are in varying degrees positive, if not ‘all “booming’ for U. S. Grant.’
1882. E. V. Smalley, in Century Mag., XXIV. 506/1. To ‘boom’ a town in Dakota is an art requiring … no end of push and cheek…. Fargo is said to be the best-boomed town in Dakota.
1884. Boston (Mass.) Jrnl., 22 Nov., 2/4. The World is booming Mr. Conkling for United States Senator.
