bolster
bolster Lexical Profile
bolster Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To support, strengthen, or prop up (an idea, argument, organization, or morale).
"The encouraging economic data helped to bolster investor confidence."
To provide or support with a pillow or cushion.
"The nurse helped bolster the patient's injured leg with extra pillows."
• noun
A long, thick, often cylindrical pillow or cushion placed under other pillows for support on a bed or sofa.
"She placed a firm bolster behind her back while reading in bed."
A structural part, timber, or mechanical pad designed to support, reduce friction, or bear weight in a vehicle, bridge, or building.
"The engineer inspected the steel bolster supporting the bridge girder."
British A broad-bladed cold chisel used by masons and bricklayers for cutting stone or brick.
"The bricklayer used a heavy club hammer and a bolster to split the paving slab cleanly."
• Rhymes for bolster
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English bolster, meaning 'head pillow', derived from the Proto-Germanic root *bulstraz, which is related to the verb 'bulge' and refers to something stuffed or swollen.