Booster
Booster turns up in 2 fields: electrotechnology, shop slang. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Booster in electrotechnology
A device inserted into a circuit to increase or regulate the voltage.
A machine or transformer placed in series with a power line to inject a supplementary voltage, compensating for voltage drop over long distances. In historic DC systems, this was a motor-generator set, while AC networks use specialized booster transformers or tap-changing setups to keep the line voltage within statutory limits at the far end of a feeder.
"The voltage at the end of the rural feeder is dropping below 210 volts, so we need to install a booster to keep the customers in spec."
Booster in shop slang
A professional shoplifter who steals retail goods in bulk to resell them on the black market.
In retail, loss prevention, and warehouse environments, this refers to organized thieves who target high-value, easily fenced merchandise. Unlike casual shoplifters, they operate systematically, often using foil-lined bags or coordinated distractions. Store security teams track their methods closely to prevent massive inventory shrinkage.
"We had a team of boosters clear out the entire shelf of power drills while the greeter was distracted."