bootstrap

[boot-strap]

noun

1. a loop of leather or cloth sewn at the top rear, or sometimes on each side, of a boot to facilitate pulling it on.

2. a means of advancing oneself or accomplishing something.

   He used his business experience as a bootstrap to win voters.

adjective

1. relying entirely on one's efforts and resources.

   The business was a bootstrap operation for the first ten years.

2. self-generating or self-sustaining.

   a bootstrap process.

verb (used with object)

bootstrapped, bootstrapping 

1. Computers.,  boot.

2. to help (oneself) without the aid of others.

   She spent years bootstrapping herself through college.

bootstrap

/ ˈbuːtˌstræp /

noun

1. a leather or fabric loop on the back or side of a boot for pulling it on

2. by one's own efforts; unaided

3. (modifier) self-acting or self-sufficient, as an electronic amplifier that uses its output voltage to bias its input

4. 1. Also: boot. a technique for loading the first few program instructions into a computer main store to enable the rest of the program to be introduced from an input device

   2. ( as modifier )

      a bootstrap loader

5. commerce an offer to purchase a controlling interest in a company, esp with the intention of purchasing the remainder of the equity at a lower price

verb

1. to set up or achieve (something) using minimal resources

2. (foll by to) to attach (something) to a larger or more important thing

Word History and Origins

Origin of bootstrap¹

First recorded in 1890–95; boot ¹ + strap

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. pull oneself up by one's bootstraps, to help oneself without the aid of others; use one's resources.

   I admire him for pulling himself up by his own bootstraps.

Example Sentences

“Capitalism is supposed to be this promise of, ‘If you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you too can have all of the money,’” Jones continues.

From Los Angeles Times

Those who evoke the virtue of a bootstrap economy have had to confront its shortcomings in the face of a crushing housing shortage, widening inequality and environmental challenges disproportionately affecting the poorest communities.

From Los Angeles Times

Pulling up your bootstraps and spraying some tough on it is important.

From Los Angeles Times

Taking away whatever access people now have will not compel them to bootstrap their way to better health.

From Salon

We didn’t literally pull ourselves up by the bootstraps or walk to school through the snow without shoes.

From Salon

Related Words

• reboot 
• reset