1. to strengthen or support someone's power, influence, or right to make decisions
The new law was designed to bolster the authority of local governments.
A nova lei foi elaborada para reforçar a autoridade dos governos locais.
2. to make someone's position of power more secure or respected
The president's decision to bolster authority among his advisors proved controversial.
A decisão do presidente de reforçar a autoridade entre seus conselheiros provou ser controversa.