bolster
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make something stronger or better.
v.to support, strengthen, or reinforce something, especially an abstract concept like confidence or an argument.
Simple“The new evidence helped bolster her case in court.”
In context“The central bank's decision to lower interest rates was intended to bolster consumer confidence during the economic downturn.”
UsageThis is a transitive verb that always takes a direct object.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a piece of wood or metal used to support a heavy weight in a machine or building.
n.a structural part designed to provide support or reduce friction, such as a timber on a post or a plate in a machine.
Simple“The engineer checked the steel bolster for signs of wear.”
In context“The heavy-duty wagon was fitted with a reinforced bolster to ensure the axle could withstand the pressure of the timber load.”
“China’s premier, Li Qiang, suggested on Monday that efforts to bolster overseas demand for goods could be used to make up for weak domestic demand.”
“Richardson notes one of the reasons to do this is to bolster resumes in service of academic advancement.”
From Middle English bolster, bolstre, from Old English bolster (“pillow”), from Proto-West Germanic bolstr, from Proto-Germanic bulstraz (“pillow, cushion”). Cognate with Scots bowster (“bolster”), West Frisian bulster (“mattress”), Dutch bolster (“husk, shell”), German Polster (“bolster, pillow, pad”), Swedish bolster (“soft mattress, bolster”), Icelandic bólstur (“pillow”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.