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bolster

Verb

IPA /ˈbəʊlstə/

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Meaning in plain English

To give support that makes something stronger, especially a person's confidence, courage or belief in what they can do.

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Pronunciation

bolster/ˈbəʊlstə/

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A few encouraging words can bolster a child's confidence.
Positive feedback helped bolster the team's morale before the presentation.

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A few encouraging words can ________ a child's confidence.

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bolster — To give support that makes something stronger, especially a person's confidence, courage or belief in what they can do.

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To give support that makes something stronger, especially a person's confidence, courage or belief in what they can do.

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Word origin

From Old English bolster; related forms occur in Old Norse, German and Dutch.

Did you know?

Bolster up can have the same meaning as bolster.

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