Definition

1. Noun:

   • A projecting support built against a wall: A buttress is a structure, typically made of stone or brick, that is built against a wall to strengthen or support it, especially in architecture.
   • Something that serves to support, prop, or reinforce: In a figurative sense, a buttress is a person, thing, or argument that provides support or reinforcement.

2. Verb:

   • To support or strengthen: To buttress something means to provide it with support, reinforcement, or a strong defense, making it more stable or defensible.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The ancient cathedral's flying buttresses are both functional and beautiful.
  • Her unwavering loyalty was a buttress to him during the difficult times.
• Verb:
  • The lawyer worked to buttress her case with new evidence.
  • We need to buttress this old wall before the next storm.

Advanced Usage

• "To buttress up": To support or reinforce something, often an argument or a structure.
  • He tried to buttress up his theory with data from recent studies.

Variants and Related Words

• Buttressed (adj): Supported or strengthened by a buttress.
  • The buttressed walls have stood for centuries.
• Buttressing (n/gerund): The action or process of providing support.
  • The buttressing of the argument was thorough.

Synonyms

• Noun: Prop, support, brace, mainstay, bulwark.
• Verb: Strengthen, reinforce, bolster, shore up, underpin.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Buttress up: (See "Advanced Usage" above). To reinforce or provide additional support for something.
  • The engineers had to buttress up the foundation of the building.

Related Idioms

• To act as a buttress: To serve as a strong source of support for someone or something.
  • In the family crisis, her calm presence acted as a buttress for everyone.

Noun

1. a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building

Verb

1. make stronger or defensible
   • buttress your thesis
2. reinforce with a buttress
   • Buttress the church