buttress
Definitions
A projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall to steady or reinforce it.
A source of defense or support.
To provide with projecting supports or to increase the strength of something.
Examples
The stone walls were reinforced with a heavy buttress to prevent them from collapsing.
The new evidence serves to buttress the prosecution's argument against the defendant.
He used his extensive research to buttress his theory during the academic debate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
weaken undermine debilitate destabilize impair enfeeble damage