bolster
UK[ˈbəʊlstə]US[ˈboʊlstər]
v
To support or strengthen something.
n
A long, thick pillow that is placed across the head of a bed under the other pillows.
Etymology
The word 'bolster' originates from the Old English 'bolster', meaning a cushion or pillow. This Old English term is cognate with Old Norse 'bolstr' and Old High German 'bolstar', all pointing back to a Proto-Germanic root 'bolstraz'. The core concept has always been that of a padded support. The verb sense, meaning to prop up or support, developed in the late 16th century as a figurative extension of the noun, drawing on the literal function of a pillow or cushion to provide support and comfort.
Analysis
The word 'bolster' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller, independent morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
The government introduced new policies to bolster the economy.
She used the extra data to bolster her argument in the report.
He plumped up the bolster before arranging the other pillows on the bed.