Learning / English Dictionary

BOLSTER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

A pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows

Synonyms:

bolster; long pillow

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("bolster" is a kind of...):

pillow (a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person)

Derivation:

bolster (prop up with a pillow or bolster)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Support and strengthen

Example:

bolster morale

Synonyms:

bolster; bolster up

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "bolster" is one way to...):

reenforce; reinforce (make stronger)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Sense 2

Meaning:

Add padding to

Example:

pad the seat of the chair

Synonyms:

bolster; pad

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "bolster" is one way to...):

fill; fill up; make full (make full, also in a metaphorical sense)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s something PP
Somebody ----s something with something

Sense 3

Meaning:

Prop up with a pillow or bolster

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Hypernyms (to "bolster" is one way to...):

prop; prop up; shore; shore up (support by placing against something solid or rigid)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Derivation:

bolster (a pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows)

Credits

 Context examples: 

You will be with friends, and you may also be with your community of people who love your work—their enthusiasm will bolster your energy and make you see that you are making a difference in their world.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)