buttress
UK: ˈbʌtrəs | US: ˈbʌtrəs
n. 1. A projecting support built against a wall or structure to reinforce it.
n. 2. Something that serves to support, strengthen, or defend.
vt. To provide support or reinforcement to something.
The word "buttress" originates from Old French bouterez (later buteret), derived from buter ("to thrust" or "support"), which traces back to Frankish bautan ("to strike" or "push"). The morpheme "butt" reflects the idea of physical support or resistance, while "-ress" functions as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the term evolved from literal architectural support to metaphorical reinforcement in abstract contexts.
The cathedral's flying buttresses are both functional and aesthetically striking.
She used statistics to buttress her argument during the debate.
The old wall was buttressed with steel beams to prevent collapse.
His kindness served as a buttress against her loneliness.
The treaty was designed to buttress peace between the nations.