bolster = unterstützen, verstärken
bolster = das Polsterkissen
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GOOGLE INDEX
bolster: approximately 27,000,000 Google hits
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
Stock markets have been BOLSTERED by central banks' stimulus measures aimed at reviving flagging economic growth.
(BBC News)
--- But the program could BOLSTER Democratic standing with Latinos, Asians, and other groups with deep ties to immigrant communities.
(Slate magazine)
Did you know?
bolster verb
- to support or strengthen
noun
- a long, thick pillow that is placed under other pillows for support
(Oxford Dictionary)
--- Bolster is just one of the many synonyms for support, which stems from the Latin "supportare" (sup = from underneath + portare = to carry), thus literally meaning to carry something from underneath.
Bolster does not have Latin origins however. Instead, it derives from the Proto-Germanic word "bolkhstraz," which has related words in other languages, including the German "Polster," which refers to a cushion, pad or pillow.
Apart from several technical terms in construction and architecture, bolster is a verb that means to support, strengthen or reinforce. It can be used in a literal sense to describe something tangible (New buildings in California must be bolstered to make them earthquake-proof).
More often than not bolster is applied in a figurative sense, such as in:
- He always bolsters my spirits with his positive attitude.
- She bolstered her education with an internship abroad.
- A good way to bolster your English vocabulary is by using One-Word-A-Day.