bolster

1 of 2

noun

bol·​ster ˈbōl-stər 

1

: a long pillow or cushion

2

: a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing (see bearing sense 5)

bolster

2 of 2

verb

bolstered; bolstering ˈbōl-st(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to support with or as if with a bolster : reinforce

lay bolstered up in bed

extra men will bolster already augmented dock details

—Stanley Levey

2

: to give a boost to

news that bolstered his spirits

bolsterer

ˈbōl-stər-ər 

noun

Synonyms

Verb

• bear
• brace
• buttress
• carry
• prop (up)
• shore (up)
• stay
• support
• sustain
• undergird
• underpin
• uphold

Examples of bolster in a Sentence

Verb

She came with me to bolster my confidence.

a convincing argument that was bolstered by the speaker's reputation

She is thinking of ways to bolster her career.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Place a bolster or pillow behind your back and bolsters on each side of your legs. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Both the front and rear differential have locks, and the front seats are swapped for buckets with heavier bolsters. —New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2024

Verb

Disney is looking to unlock more value by restructuring its business while cutting costs to bolster profitability. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

The startup bolstered its delivery capabilities by recently acquiring the restaurant delivery company Relay. —Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English belg bag — more at belly

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bolster

1 of 2 noun

bol·​ster ˈbōl-stər 

1

: a long pillow or cushion

2

: a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support

bolster

2 of 2 verb

bolstered; bolstering -st(ə-)riŋ 

: to support with or as if with a bolster

also : reinforce

came with me to bolster my spirits

bolsterer

-stər-ər 

noun

Legal Definition

bolster

transitive verb

bol·​ster

ˈbōl-stər

: to use evidence usually improperly to give weight to (evidence already introduced)