bolstering
Giving more strength
Bolstering is strengthening or supporting something—propping it up, literally or figuratively.
You bolster an argument with evidence, bolster someone's confidence with encouragement, or bolster a sagging mattress with extra padding.
The word suggests reinforcement from outside: The new data bolstered her theory.
A bolster is also a long cylindrical pillow.
Architectural wall reinforcement
- pillarUpright architectural support
- propSupport or stage item
- beamStructural support member
- girderMain structural support beam
brace · strut · scaffold · framework · foundation · underpinning · shoring · truss
Support spurring continued effort
- backingAid or sponsorship
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
validation · affirmation · uplift · morale boost · confidence building · empowerment · championing · rallying
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- rampartFortified defensive wall
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- strongholdFortified place of defense
bastion · entrenchment · garrison · reinforcement · armoring · shielding · safeguarding · protection
Financial assistance from government
- fundingSupplying monetary resources
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- investmentDeploying capital for returns
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
bailout · grant · aid package · financial support · allocation · underwriting · bankrolling · financing
buttress
Architectural wall reinforcement
girder · brace · strut · scaffold · framework · foundation · underpinning · shoring · truss · joist
encouragement
Support spurring continued effort
- backingAid or sponsorship
- endorsementFormal expression of support
- advocacyPleading for a cause
reassurance · validation · affirmation · uplift · morale boost · confidence building · empowerment · championing · rallying · heartening
fortification
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- rampartFortified defensive wall
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
stronghold · bastion · entrenchment · garrison · reinforcement · armoring · shielding · safeguarding · protection · securing
subsidy
Financial assistance from government
- fundingSupplying monetary resources
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- investmentDeploying capital for returns
injection · bailout · grant · aid package · financial support · allocation · underwriting · bankrolling · financing
- supportsupport, emotional support, moral support, support group, stand by
- kind actshelping, aiding, assisting, donating, sharing
- kind traitskind, caring, compassionate, nurturing, tender
- upliftingencouraging, inspiring, heartening, uplifting, motivating
- psyching uppsyching up, pep talk, self talk, bracing, mustering
- reinforcingreinforcing, strengthening, supporting, shoring, propping
bolsteringundermining
Weakening by covert means
weakening · undercutting · eroding · sapping · diminishing
bolsteringdemoralizing
Destroying confidence or hope
discouraging · dispiriting · deflating · disheartening · crushing
bolsteringtearing down
dismantling · demolishing · destroying · breaking down · knocking down
bolster, upholstery, bolstered, bolsters, upholster, upholstered, upholsterer, upholstering