bolster
to support or strengthen
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
Stock markets have been BOLSTERED by central banks' stimulus measures aimed at reviving flagging economic growth.
(BBC News)
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But the program could BOLSTER Democratic standing with Latinos, Asians, and other groups with deep ties to immigrant communities.
(Slate magazine)
(BBC News)
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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)
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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.
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SYNONYMS
aid, boost, brace, buoy, buttress, cushion, prop, reinforce, shore up, strengthen
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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"Some health experts believe vitamin C tablets bolster the immune system."
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.
---
SYNONYMS
aid, boost, brace, buoy, buttress, cushion, prop, reinforce, shore up, strengthen
---
SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"Some health experts believe vitamin C tablets bolster the immune system."
