Wiktionary

springboard

English

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Diving springboard
 
Springboard in gymnastics

Etymology

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From spring +‎ board.

Pronunciation

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  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

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springboard (plural springboards)

  1. A board consisting of a flexible, springy, cantilevered platform that propels one into the air, used for diving or gymnastics.
  2. (figuratively) Something that acts as a catalyst to begin or accelerate an action or growth.
    The opportuninity acted as a springboard for their success.
    • 1960 March, J. P. Wilson, E. N. C. Haywood, “The route through the Peak - Derby to Manchester: Part One”, in Trains Illustrated, page 148:
      It was the section of the North Midland Railway from Derby to Ambergate which provided the springboard for a scheme that took shape in the early part of 1845 for a route through the Peak to Manchester.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Verb

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springboard (third-person singular simple present springboards, present participle springboarding, simple past and past participle springboarded)

  1. (transitive) To launch or propel as if from a springboard, especially toward political office.
    • 2007 October 4, Jennifer Steinhauer, “In Ballot Fight, California Gets a Taste of ’08”, in New York Times‎[1]:
      Such a change could amount to a seismic shift in the nation’s electoral dynamics, potentially springboarding a Republican into the White House, and the possibility has animated hopeful Republicans and fearful Democrats.
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Note 1