uphold

American  

[uhp-hohld] / ʌpˈhoʊld /

verb (used with object)

upheld, upholding

1. to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.

   He fought the duel to uphold his family's honor.

2. 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.

3. to lift upward; raise.

   The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.

4. British.

   1. to upholster.

   2. to maintain in good condition; take care of.

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uphold British  

/ ʌpˈhəʊld /

verb

1. to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge

2. to give moral support or inspiration to

3. rare  to support physically

4. to lift up

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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

But Becky took the decision to the Court of Appeal, which was upheld.

From BBC

But in the “switch in time that saved nine,” the high court reversed course, upholding minimum wage.

From The Wall Street Journal

A New York appellate court upheld a surrogate court’s decision to compel the DNA test in July.

From The Wall Street Journal

Last December the High Court of Appeal upheld a corruption conviction and Sarkozy had to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet for six months.

From BBC

The joint US-Ukrainian communique offered only an oblique insight, saying the two sides "reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine's sovereignty".

From BBC

Related Words

• advocate
• confirm
• defend
• encourage
• endorse
• hold to
• justify
• promote
• side with
• stand by
• vindicate