Definition

1. Noun:

   • A long, thick pillow placed across the width of a bed: A "bolster" is a firm, cylindrical cushion typically placed under other pillows for support or decoration at the head of a bed.
   • A pad or support: In technical contexts, a "bolster" can refer to any supporting pad or cushioning structure.

2. Verb:

   • To support, strengthen, or reinforce: The primary meaning is to make something stronger, more effective, or more resilient, often by providing additional support or encouragement.
   • To pad or prop up: To add material or an object underneath something to raise, support, or make it more comfortable.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She arranged the pillows and the bolster neatly on the bed.
  • The mechanic used a wooden bolster to support the engine during the repair.

• Verb:

  • The manager's speech was intended to bolster the team's confidence before the big game.
  • We need to bolster this argument with more concrete evidence.
  • He bolstered the old chair with extra cushions.

Advanced Usage

• "to bolster up": To support or reinforce something, often used figuratively.

  • The government introduced new policies to bolster up the struggling economy.

• "bolster against": To provide support as a defense or protection against something.

  • The community worked together to bolster their defenses against the coming storm.

Variants and Related Words

• Bolstering (n/gerund): The act of providing support or reinforcement.

  • The bolstering of the dam was necessary after the flood warnings.

• Bolsterer (n): One who bolsters or provides support (less common).

  • He was a great bolsterer of morale in difficult times.

Synonyms

• Verb: Strengthen, reinforce, support, fortify, prop up, shore up, boost, underpin.
• Noun: Pillow, cushion, pad, support.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bolster up: To provide additional support, often to prevent failure or collapse.
  • The new data will bolster up our hypothesis.

Related Idioms

• "A feather in one's bolster": An old-fashioned idiom meaning a source of pride or comfort (now rare).

  • That award is a real feather in his bolster.

• "To bolster one's spirits": To cheer someone up or improve their mood.

  • A good cup of coffee in the morning really bolsters my spirits.

Noun

1. a pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows

Verb

1. add padding to
   • pad the seat of the chair
2. prop up with a pillow or bolster
3. support and strengthen
   • bolster morale