springboard

[spring-bawrd, -bohrd]

noun

1. a flexible board, projecting over water, from which divers leap or spring.

2. a flexible board used as a takeoff in vaulting, tumbling, etc., to increase the height of leaps.

3. something that supplies the impetus or conditions for a beginning, change, or progress; a point of departure.

   a lecture to serve as a springboard for a series of seminars.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to impel or launch on or as if on a springboard.

springboard

/ ˈsprɪŋˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a flexible board, usually projecting low over the water, used for diving

2. a similar board used for gaining height or momentum in gymnastics

3. a board inserted into the trunk of a tree at some height above the ground on which a lumberjack stands to chop down the tree

4. anything that serves as a point of departure or initiation

Word History and Origins

Origin of springboard¹

First recorded in 1865–70; spring + board

Example Sentences

Controlling it would give Russia a springboard to deeper attacks targeting big cities and threatening to bring Ukraine to its knees.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the Ukrainian president has previously ruled out ceding control of the Donbas, saying it could be used as a springboard for future Russian attacks.

From BBC

Ukraine's president has previously ruled out ceding control of the Donbas - composed of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions - saying it could be used as a springboard for future Russian attacks.

From BBC

Just days ago, Ukraine's president ruled out ceding control of the Donbas region - made up the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk - saying it could be used as a springboard for future Russian attacks.

From BBC

Zelensky has said he is convinced that Russia would use any region it was allowed to keep as a springboard for future invasions.

From BBC