Phrasal verb
bolster up
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“They used extra wood to bolster up the old roof.”
contextual
“The government lowered interest rates to bolster up the struggling economy during the winter months.”
complex
“The defense attorney attempted to bolster up his client's weak alibi by introducing several character witnesses of high social standing.”
Usage
often used with abstract nouns like 'confidence', 'economy', or 'argument'.
Teaching tip
explain that 'bolster' can stand alone as a verb; adding 'up' emphasizes the idea of lifting something that is sagging or falling.
Pitfall
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'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
bolster + (object) + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/bolster-up