springboard
noun, verb
Forms springboards springboarding springboarded
- noun A board consisting of a flexible, springy, cantilevered platform that propels one into the air, used for diving or gymnastics.
- noun (figuratively) Something that acts as a catalyst to begin or accelerate an action or growth. “The opportunity acted as a springboard for their success.”
- verb (transitive) To launch or propel as if from a springboard, especially toward political office.
Synonyms
Etymology
From spring + board.
Webster’s 1913
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “springboard”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details