verb / noun
bolster
BOHL-ster/ˈbəʊlstər/
A firm cushion supporting something in place.
A firm bolster supports the resting person’s knees.
Etymology
A bolster was a stuffed cushion used to prop something up. That physical support became an image for strengthening or maintaining something weak, such as a cause or argument.
In context
to bolster his support, Pol Pot courted Sihanouk, who was still under house arrest, to throw his support behind the regime
More examples
- She places a long bolster behind her lower back.
- The bed has a cylindrical bolster beneath its pillows.
- Two firm bolsters support his legs while he rests.
Forms
bolster · bolsters · bolstered · bolstering