buttress

[ˈbʌtrɪs]

buttress Definition

  • 1a structure of stone or brick built against a wall to support or reinforce it
  • 2to provide support or encouragement to someone or something

Using buttress: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "buttress" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The cathedral's walls were reinforced with buttresses.

  • Example

    The government is providing financial buttress to the struggling industry.

  • Example

    He buttressed his argument with several examples.

  • Example

    Her confidence was buttressed by her previous successes.

buttress Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for buttress

Idioms Using buttress

  • to strengthen one's argument or position

    Example

    She buttressed her position with evidence from the report.

  • to provide support or reinforcement to a system or organization

    Example

    The new regulations will help to buttress the healthcare system.

  • to rely on someone or something for support or assistance

    Example

    During difficult times, she leaned on her friends as a buttress.

Phrases with buttress

  • an arched stone support on the outside of buildings, which allows builders to create higher walls and leave space for windows

    Example

    The Gothic cathedral was famous for its flying buttresses.

  • a large, wide-spreading root that helps to support a tree or shrub growing in shallow soil

    Example

    The buttress roots of the banyan tree were an impressive sight.

  • a type of dam that uses the strength of buttresses to support the weight of the water

    Example

    The Hoover Dam is an example of a buttress dam.

Origins of buttress

from Old French 'botece', meaning 'support'

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Summary: buttress in Brief

The term 'buttress' [ˈbʌtrɪs] refers to a structure built against a wall to support or reinforce it, or to provide support or encouragement to someone or something. It can be used as a noun or verb, as in 'The cathedral's walls were reinforced with buttresses' and 'He buttressed his argument with several examples.' 'Buttress' also extends into phrases like 'flying buttress,' and idioms like 'buttress one's position,' denoting strengthening one's argument or position.