boom3 (bom)

[A recent American use, originating in the West, and first made familiar in 1878; a particular application of boom1, v. i., ( d ) (with ref. also to boom1, n., (d)), from the thought of sudden and rapid motion with a roaring and increasing sound. In later use some a ume also an allusion to boom2, n., 3. When a boom of logs breaks, the logs rush with violence down the stream, and are then said to be "booming"; but this appears to be the ordinary ppr. adj. booming, roaring, rushing with violence, and to have no connection with boom2, n. or v.] I. in trans. To go on with a rush; become suddenly active; be "lively," as busine ; be prosperous or flourishing. [The earliest instance of the word in this sense appears to be in The Federal Government holds them [the reservations in the Indian Territory] as a trustee for the Indians; and it will be a hundred fold better to let some acres remain uncultivated and unoccupied rather than that all shall be given over to the rapacity of white boomer The Nation , Jan. 7, 1886.