to bolster
84
4.3
- verb
- /ˈboʊlstər/
:
reforzar
- Higher tariffs would bolster domestic manufacturing.
- bolster confidence
- bolster a position
- bolster support
So I think that we need to bolster the the defenses of Latvia.
- So I think that we need to bolster the the defenses of Latvia.
- And also, this bolsters the sense of powerlessness.
- I'm just trying to bolster that affection.
- Do you give up or do you let it bolster you?
- But I have to wonder, are we in a world in which more and more we just tell people they are great to bolster their self esteem when in fact they're not?
Examples
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The power of these stories to bolster mothers' self-concepts may also have positive effects on their children.
Academic text (2017) -
To feed his ego and bolster his business interests.
-
But the news of it would not bolster our argument to keep with the faith and the Church.
-
And so the big question is, should you play to strength or should you bolster weakness?
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I only want to bolster their courage!
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I'm just trying to bolster that affection.
-
We're also able to work with several local civilian hospitals to bolster our numbers and bolster our experience.
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Dr. Stadler, more than ever, the government needs to present a strong, unified front to bolster the confidence of the people.
-
Foreign clergy were brought into the country to bolster the church's pastoral outreach.
Academic text (1999) -
Local organizations are working together to bolster community support for the new public library.
Synonyms
∞
2.3
Give someone support and confidence so they try or keep doing something
327
3.0
To make muscles, relationships, or groups stronger
215
3.7
To help someone become better off or more confident
99
3.9
Make something stronger by adding support or extra parts
54
3.6
Support something so it does not fall or fail
30
5.4
Support a weak thing so it does not fall or fail
23
3.2
To make someone feel happier and more hopeful
19
3.7
To make someone feel happier and more hopeful
15
5.3
To keep someone or something floating and give them hope
13
5.5
Make someone feel happier or more confident
9
7.1
To make an argument or idea stronger by adding facts
5
3.7
Make people feel more confident and positive
3
5.1
Make something stronger by adding support or protection
1
3.9
To make someone feel happier when they are sad
1
3.4
Help someone feel happier
To give help to someone or something to make them stronger
To make someone or something able to work well again
To make someone feel more cheerful and confident
To make someone feel stronger in their mind or feelings
Phrasal Verbs
How Supportive
Surface Forms
Etymology
Bolster began as a word for a 'pillow' that gives support, and this image of giving extra support helps the modern meaning. So to bolster someone or something is to give strength or encouragement, like a pillow that holds and supports.