bolster
Prop up firmly
A bolster is a long cylindrical pillow or cushion, typically placed under other pillows or used for back support.
The word extends to any structural support—a bolster beneath a beam, a bolster in a saddle.
The verb dominates modern usage: to bolster is to strengthen, support, or prop up: The new evidence bolstered her case.
You bolster confidence, bolster defenses, bolster an argument.
The physical prop becomes metaphorical reinforcement.
Add strength to something
- fortifyMake stronger against threat
- buttressArchitectural wall reinforcement
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- shore upStrengthen against failure
underpin · consolidate · solidify · amplify · enhance · intensify · boost · augment
Cause to act
- inspireStir to action
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
- heartenTo give courage
- empowerGrant authority or confidence
cheer · spur · galvanize · buoy · reassure · nurture · foster · advocate
Stuffed fabric for comfort
- padCushioned writing surface
- headrestPadded seat extension for neck
- neckrollCylindrical neck-support cushion
- body pillowElongated cushion for sleeping
wedge · lumbar support · throw pillow · decorative pillow · travel pillow · pregnancy pillow
Softening force or fall
- paddingMaterial for cushioning
- foamBubble-filled substance
- battingSwinging at pitches
- tuftingInserting yarn clusters
fabric · stuffing · filling · kapok · down · feathers · polyester fill · memory foam
Aid or sponsorship
- aidSupport given freely
- assistanceSupport or aid given
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- advocacyPleading for a cause
sponsorship · patronage · alliance · partnership · collaboration · solidarity · sustenance · relief
reinforce
Add strength to something
- fortifyMake stronger against threat
- buttressArchitectural wall reinforcement
- supportTo uphold or sustain
shore up · underpin · consolidate · solidify · amplify · enhance · intensify · boost · augment · invigorate
motivate
Cause to act
empower · cheer · spur · galvanize · buoy · reassure · nurture · foster · advocate · champion
cushion
Stuffed fabric for comfort
- padCushioned writing surface
- headrestPadded seat extension for neck
- neckrollCylindrical neck-support cushion
body pillow · wedge · lumbar support · throw pillow · decorative pillow · travel pillow · pregnancy pillow
cushioning
Softening force or fall
tufting · fabric · stuffing · filling · kapok · down · feathers · polyester fill · memory foam · quilting
backing
Aid or sponsorship
- aidSupport given freely
- assistanceSupport or aid given
- endorsementFormal expression of support
advocacy · sponsorship · patronage · alliance · partnership · collaboration · solidarity · sustenance · relief · championing
- pillow typesthrow pillows, cushion covers, lumbar support, down pillows, memory foam
- ancient furnishingsbed, table, chair, bench, stool
- bedroombed, mattress, pillow, pillows, headboard
- helpingaid, assist, give a hand, help, helping hand
- supportsupport, emotional support, moral support, support group, stand by
- yogaasana, asanas, pranayama, yoga class, yoga pose
bolsterdiscourage
Diminish someone's confidence
demoralize · dishearten · deflate · dispirit · depress
- bolster pillowElongated supportive bed pillow
- yoga bolsterSupportive pillow for poses