1 B2 neutral
To support or strengthen someone's confidence, morale, or a weakened position.
"The coach gave an inspiring speech to bolster up the team's confidence before the final."
separable
bolster up
B2 neutral separable transitive
To strengthen, support, or increase someone's confidence, morale, or the effectiveness of something.
In plain English
To give extra support to something or someone to make them stronger or more confident.
What does "bolster up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To add evidence or arguments to make a claim, case, or position stronger.
"They brought in new data to bolster up their argument during the debate."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To prop something up with a bolster (a long cylindrical pillow used for support).
Actually means
To give extra support to something or someone to make them stronger or more confident.
Usage tip
'Bolster' alone is just as common as 'bolster up'; the particle 'up' is often considered optional and does not significantly change the meaning. Common in political and business journalism. Typically used with abstract objects: confidence, position, economy.
Words that pair with "bolster up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
confidence morale argument position economy support
How to conjugate "bolster up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bolster up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bolsters up
he/she/it
Past simple
bolstered up
yesterday
Past participle
bolstered up
have + pp
-ing form
bolstering up
continuous
Hear "bolster up" in the wild
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