uphold
Americanverb (used with object)
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to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.
He fought the duel to uphold his family's honor.
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to keep up or keep from sinking; support.
Stout columns upheld the building's heavy roof. Her faith upheld her in that time of sadness.
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to lift upward; raise.
The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.
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British.
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to upholster.
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to maintain in good condition; take care of.
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verb
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to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge
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to give moral support or inspiration to
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rare to support physically
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to lift up
Usage
What are other ways to say uphold? To uphold something means to support it or defend it against opposition or criticism. How is uphold different from maintain, support, and sustain? Find out on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
- upholder noun
Etymology
Origin of uphold
First recorded in 1300–1350; Middle English upholden; up-, hold 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even if, in the unlikely event, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholds this decision, I don't think anybody will ever truly consider Morocco African champions.
From BBC
An appeal by Morocco against Ismael Saibari being found guilty of misconduct in violation of articles 82 and 83 was upheld and his suspension reduced to two matches.
From BBC
In its ruling to award Morocco the title, Caf also "partially upheld" an appeal against an incident involving ball boys in the final, and reduced the Moroccan FA's fine for the incident.
From BBC
"Let us be a country that has sustainable economic migration rules, but one that upholds the British values we want all who live here to respect."
From BBC
Now, a state appeals court has upheld that verdict.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
