English vocabulary · B2
Bolster
/ˈboʊlstər/ · v.
To bolster something is to make it stronger or help it stay up. You add what it needs, so it will not fall or fail at all.
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Example sentences
- Steel beams bolstered the weak roof.
- Kind words bolstered her hope after failure.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- bolster — long pillow (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- SUPPORT — help hold something (Keep It Up)
- STRENGTHEN — add more strength (Make It Stronger)
- REINFORCE — make with more material (Add A Strong Part)
Similar words
- support
- strengthen
- reinforce
Lesson notes
To bolster something is to make it stronger or help it stay up. You add what it needs, so it will not fall or fail at all.
Related: support, strengthen, reinforce. Use bolster when extra help makes things stronger.
Steel beams bolstered the weak roof. Kind words bolstered her hope after failure.
From Old English. Bolster means long pillow. A long pillow holds things up. That is how we bolster them.