buttress

[ buh-tris ]

noun

1. any external prop or support built to steady a structure by opposing its outward thrusts, especially a projecting support built into or against the outside of a masonry wall.
2. any prop or support.
3. a thing shaped like a buttress, as a tree trunk with a widening base.
4. a bony or horny protuberance, especially on a horse's hoof.

verb (used with object)

1. to support by a buttress; prop up.
2. to give encouragement or support to (a person, plan, etc.).

   Synonyms: reinforce, brace, inspirit, support, hearten, encourage

buttress

/ ˈbʌtrɪs /

noun

1. See flying buttress
   Also calledpier a construction, usually of brick or stone, built to support a wall See also flying buttress
2. any support or prop
3. something shaped like a buttress, such as a projection from a mountainside
4. either of the two pointed rear parts of a horse's hoof

verb

1. to support (a wall) with a buttress
2. to support or sustain

Other Words From

• buttress·less adjective
• buttress·like adjective
• non·buttressed adjective
• un·buttressed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of buttress¹

1350–1400; Middle English butres ≪ Old French ( arc ) boterez thrusting (arch) nominative singular of boteret (accusative), equivalent to boter- abutment (perhaps < Germanic; butt ³ ) + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of buttress¹

C13: from Old French bouterez , short for ars bouterez thrusting arch, from bouter to thrust, butt ³

Example Sentences

Both buttress national identity, and both are concerned with equality.

From The Daily Beast

Nor is it certain that exports by energy companies would buttress U.S. diplomacy.

From The Daily Beast

We should buttress cooperative tribes again, with names like Dulaim, Isawi, Al bu Issa, among others.

From The Daily Beast

They build on their distinctive strengths, buttress and leverage their specific assets, attributes, and advantages.

From The Daily Beast

“McConnell is doing everything he can to buttress his support,” Mann said.

From The Daily Beast

Profiting by this, Benjy quietly moved away round a colossal buttress of the berg, and took refuge in an ice-cave.

From Project Gutenberg

It was an outside one, massive as a buttress, and Harry was building it well and truly, for it was the essential of the house.

From Project Gutenberg

From the buttress foot a sheep-walk goes along the scarp—see, you can follow it from here in the dry grass.

From Project Gutenberg

And drawing his cutlass from his belt, Michael bounded round the buttress behind which the young girl had promised to wait.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps we shall be able to walk round into another cwm on the far side of North-west buttress.

From Project Gutenberg