bolster

To make something stronger or more secure by giving it support.

• The praise helped bolster her confidence.
• New evidence bolstered their argument.
• The government hopes to bolster the economy.

Similar words: strengthen, support, reinforce

Opposites: weaken, undermine

Common phrases: bolster confidence, bolster an argument, bolster support

A long, firm pillow, often shaped like a tube.

• She put a bolster on the bed.
• I rest my knees on a bolster.
• The sofa came with two matching bolsters.

Similar words: long pillow

Common phrases: bolster pillow, yoga bolster, long bolster

A soft pad used to reduce pressure on the body or make a bandage more comfortable.

• The nurse placed a bolster beneath the bandage.
• A soft bolster protected the injured area.
• The surgeon used small bolsters to hold the dressing in place.

Similar words: pad, compress

Common phrases: soft bolster, dressing bolster, bolster bandage

A short wooden support between a post and a beam that spreads weight or shortens the unsupported distance.

• A bolster supports the beam.
• The carpenter fitted bolsters above the posts.
• This wooden bolster spreads the load across the post.

Similar words: support block

Common phrases: timber bolster, wooden bolster, bolster beam

A beam across the middle of a railway wheel frame that supports the vehicle above it.

• The bolster supports the carriage.
• Engineers checked the truck bolsters for cracks.
• Springs beneath the bolster absorb movement from the track.

Common phrases: truck bolster, bogie bolster, bolster beam