Definition

Verb: - To support, strengthen, or reinforce something, often by providing encouragement or additional assistance. It implies making something more effective, stable, or resilient.

Usage

The verb "bolster up" is used to describe the action of providing support to make something stronger or more confident. It is often followed by a direct object, typically an abstract concept like confidence, morale, or an argument. - It is commonly used in contexts involving emotional support, structural reinforcement, or strengthening a position. - The particle "up" can sometimes be omitted, with "bolster" carrying a very similar meaning.

Examples

• The coach gave a pep talk to bolster up the team's spirits before the championship game.
• The government introduced new policies to bolster up the struggling economy.
• She cited several recent studies to bolster up her argument during the debate.

Advanced Usage

• "to bolster up against": To strengthen something as a defense against a specific threat or challenge.
  • The community worked together to bolster up their defenses against the impending storm.

Variants and Related Words

• Bolster (verb): To support or strengthen. Often used interchangeably with "bolster up," though "bolster" alone is more common.
  • The new evidence served to bolster the prosecutor's case.
• Bolstering (noun/gerund): The act of providing support or reinforcement.
  • The bolstering of the dam was necessary after the flood.

Synonyms

• Strengthen: To make stronger.
• Reinforce: To strengthen by adding extra support or material.
• Fortify: To strengthen and secure.
• Buttress: To support or prop up, often used figuratively for arguments.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Prop up: To support something physically or financially to prevent it from falling or failing.
  • The regime was propped up by foreign aid.
• Build up: To increase the strength, size, or intensity of something gradually.
  • They did exercises to build up their stamina.

Related Idioms

• "To shore up": To support or strengthen something, especially something that is weak or likely to fail. This idiom is very close in meaning to "bolster up."
  • The manager took steps to shore up the company's financial position.

Verb

1. support and strengthen
   • bolster morale