uphold
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.
He fought the duel to uphold his family's honor.
-
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.
-
to lift upward; raise.
The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.
-
British.
-
to upholster.
-
to maintain in good condition; take care of.
-
verb
-
to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge
-
to give moral support or inspiration to
-
rare to support physically
-
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
Etymology
Origin of uphold
First recorded in 1300–1350; Middle English upholden; see up-, hold 1
Explanation
When you uphold something, you stick up for or support it. Police officers are paid to uphold the law, and crazy Elvis fans uphold their belief that he's still alive out there somewhere. If you reverse the two parts of this word, you get hold up. And that's exactly what upholding is: holding up or supporting an idea or practice. You might uphold your dog's innocence, even though it's pretty obvious he dug up the neighbor's flower bed. When America fought for independence, we upheld the idea of fair representation. When you uphold something, you're taking a stand for it.
Vocabulary lists containing uphold
Beowulf vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Ghost Boys
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Appeared in the January 15, 2026, print edition as 'Judges Uphold California’s District Map'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026
The network’s house rules are simple: Uphold zero tolerance for fake news.
From Washington Post • May 6, 2022
According to court papers, Uphold said in an affidavit it did not turnover Mr. Harper’s financial information to the government.
From Washington Times • Jul. 26, 2021
"Uphold your Constitutional duty — your conscience," he said.
From Fox News • Sep. 20, 2020
Uphold me by Thy means of grace Until I see Thee face to face.
From Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark by Aaberg, J. C. (Jens Christian)
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.
