Buttresses

Buttresses are architectural supports, usually brick or stone, built against a wall to reinforce or counteract lateral thrusts from a roof or vault. Figuratively, buttresses can refer to anything that supports, reinforces, or strengthens an idea, institution, or process. They are essential components in the structural integrity of buildings, providing stability and preventing collapse. Their function is to distribute weight and forces, diverting them to the ground and preventing outward movement. buttresses can come in various forms, from simple projections to elaborate flying buttresses, each designed for a specific structural purpose.

Buttresses meaning with examples

• The soaring cathedral's walls were held up by a network of imposing buttresses, enabling the building's height. These stone structures played a crucial role in the church's stability, allowing for large windows.
• His arguments were strengthened with historical examples, facts, and statistical data, which buttressed his central thesis and proved his hypothesis.
• The company’s financial stability was buttressed by a diverse portfolio of investments, creating financial security from potential economic downturns.
• The government’s commitment to social programs acted as a buttress, softening the impact of rising poverty rates and supporting the vulnerable populations.
• The foundation of the bridge was buttressed with robust concrete supports, enabling it to withstand the heavy traffic and severe weather conditions.