bolster up
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to give extra support to something that is weak or failing so it stays strong.
phrasal verb. to provide additional support, reinforcement, or structural integrity to a failing or weak entity, often used figuratively for morale or economies.
They used extra wood to bolster up the old roof.
The government lowered interest rates to bolster up the struggling economy during the winter months.
The defense attorney attempted to bolster up his client's weak alibi by introducing several character witnesses of high social standing.
- prop up
- shore up
- reinforce
- strengthen
- Particles
- up
- Separability
- optional
- Pattern
- bolster + (object) + up
often used with abstract nouns like 'confidence', 'economy', or 'argument'.
explain that 'bolster' can stand alone as a verb; adding 'up' emphasizes the idea of lifting something that is sagging or falling.
He bolstered up to his friend.He bolstered up his friend.the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition like 'to'.
Last updated April 24, 2026