uphold
verb (used with object)
to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.
had been upholding
-
past perfect progressiveof uphold.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Albanese also noted the helicopter had been upholding international law at the time as part of the crew an Australian air warfare destroyer that was enforcing U.N.
From Seattle Times ● May 7, 2024
Asked about whether he thought the government had been upholding high standards in public life, he said ministers could have paid more attention to these issues.
From BBC ● May 30, 2022
The Financial Ombudsman had been upholding about 75% of complaints.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2021
As he loosened the hold of one hand, to emphasize this oath, the senseless body, which he had been upholding, swung round, and swayed, toward the floor.
From Bressant by Julian Hawthorne
In February, 1841, he made a powerful speech in castigation of Henry A. Wise, who had been upholding in Southern fashion slavery, duelling, and nullification.
From John Quincy Adams American Statesmen Series by John T. (John Torrey) Morse
