1. To provide someone with emotional support and care. A noun or pronoun can be used between "bolster" and "up." I always try to bolster up my little girl when she's feeling sad. Stephanie is mourning the loss of her father, so we're all going over to her house tonight to bolster her up.

2. To provide something with physical support or reinforcement. A noun or pronoun can be used between "bolster" and "up." We need to bolster up that painting with another nail before it falls off the wall. I used a wood block to bolster the window up—otherwise, it comes crashing down when you least expect it.