Buttressing -

: Iconic in Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame de Paris, these arches bridge the gap between an outer pier and the wall, allowing for massive stained-glass windows. 2. Figurative Reinforcement

Buttressing is the act of providing external support to a structure or an idea to reinforce its stability. Whether in architecture or rhetoric, it serves as a crucial foundation for strength. 1. Architectural Foundations

: You can buttress a claim by citing hard evidence or researched facts. buttressing

In construction, a is a masonry support built against an exterior wall. It is designed to counteract the lateral (sideways) pressure exerted by heavy roofs or arches, pushing the force downward into the ground.

: To allow for taller buildings and thinner walls without the risk of collapse. : Iconic in Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame

: Small actions, like giving compliments, can buttress one's popularity or social standing. 3. Specialized Applications

: Markets are often described as being buttressed by strong profit growth or specific sectors. Whether in architecture or rhetoric, it serves as

Beyond stone and mortar, "buttressing" is used as a verb to describe strengthening intangible things: