support
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.
Don’t take down this dividing wall, as it supports the roof.
-
to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, speed, etc.) without giving way.
The specs on this folding chair say it can support up to 200 pounds.
The circuit breaker was not able to support the electrical requirements of three appliances.
-
to encourage, comfort, help, etc., under trial or affliction; sustain.
They supported him throughout his ordeal.
-
to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for.
It is next to impossible to support a family on such a low salary.
-
to give financial assistance to (a person, organization, program, etc.); be a contributor to or patron of.
I try to support the local theater by buying season tickets every year.
Our scholarship fund supports a number of students from lower-income families.
-
Computers. (of a manufacturer) to provide regular updates, troubleshooting, service, etc., for (a program or device).
They’re no longer supporting this version of the operating system.
-
to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, public approval, one's vote, etc.; back; second.
He was unable to support the resolution, but did not speak out against it either.
Which candidate do you support in the City Council race?
-
to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.).
Many viewers support the theory that the housekeeper will turn out to be the murderer.
-
to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.).
Leading doctors supported his testimony.
-
to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance.
The star was supported by a talented newcomer.
-
to undergo or endure, especially with patience or submission; tolerate.
How do you support the constant drama in this office?
noun
-
the act or an instance of sustaining, upholding, helping, advocating for, etc..
Without emotional support I would never have made it through.
Support for the party is growing among younger voters.
-
something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay.
Those L-brackets are the supports for the shelf.
-
maintenance, such as of a person or family, with necessities, means, or funds.
He paid for the support of the orphans until they completed their education.
- Synonyms:
- keep, subsistence, sustenance
-
a person or thing that supports, as financially.
The pension was his only support.
-
a person or thing that gives aid, encouragement, etc..
You have been such a support to me over this challenging time.
The revised edition also includes updated daily lesson plans, sample tests, and other curricular supports.
-
Digital Technology. a department, team, or individual that offers troubleshooting, instruction, assistance, etc., to users.
If you’re still having trouble signing in, contact support at the number below.
-
Computers. regular updates, troubleshooting, service, etc., by a manufacturer for a piece of software or hardware.
Support for this application has been withdrawn.
-
an actor, actress, or group performing with a lead performer.
-
the material, such as canvas or wood, on which a picture is painted.
-
Stock Exchange. support level.
adjective
-
serving to assist, such as by providing instruction or solving problems, managing administrative tasks, supplementing the activities of colleagues, etc..
Teachers are calling for smaller class sizes and more support personnel in the classroom.
You will be acting in a support role to the executive director.
-
(of socks or stockings) made with elasticized fibers so as to fit snugly on the legs, thereby aiding circulation, relieving fatigue, etc..
She wears support stockings for varicose veins.
verb
-
to carry the weight of
-
to bear or withstand (pressure, weight, etc)
-
to provide the necessities of life for (a family, person, etc)
-
to tend to establish (a theory, statement, etc) by providing new facts; substantiate
-
to speak in favour of (a motion)
-
to give aid or courage to
-
to give approval to (a cause, principle, etc); subscribe to
to support a political candidature
-
to endure with forbearance
I will no longer support bad behaviour
-
to give strength to; maintain
to support a business
-
(tr) (in a concert) to perform earlier than (the main attraction)
-
films theatre
-
to play a subordinate role to
-
to accompany (the feature) in a film programme
-
-
to act or perform (a role or character)
noun
-
the act of supporting or the condition of being supported
-
a thing that bears the weight or part of the weight of a construction
-
a person who or thing that furnishes aid
-
the means of maintenance of a family, person, etc
-
a band or entertainer not topping the bill
-
an actor or group of actors playing subordinate roles
-
med an appliance worn to ease the strain on an injured bodily structure or part
-
the solid material on which a painting is executed, such as canvas
-
See athletic support
Usage
What are other ways to say support?
To support something, as a structure or heavy load, is to bear it or hold it up. To support a person is to supply them with things necessary to existence, or to keep their spirits or courage up under trial or affliction. How is support different from maintain, sustain, and uphold? Find out on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
- nonsupporting adjective
- presupport noun
- prosupport adjective
- quasi-supported adjective
- supportingly adverb
- supportless adjective
- undersupport noun
- unsupported adjective
- unsupportedly adverb
- unsupporting adjective
- well-supported adjective
Etymology
Origin of support
First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) Middle English supporten, from Middle French supporter, from Medieval Latin supportāre “to endure” ( Latin: “to convey”), from sup- sup- + portāre “to carry” ( port 5 ); noun derivative of the verb
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.
“From the Chinese point of view, it’s Europe that should be making the concessions and seeking closer economic support from China because it’s in a weak position,” said Noah Barkin, an analyst with Rhodium.
The Turkish government says it does not provide direct support to the SAF.
From BBC
Ailith Harley-Roberts, whose daughter Thalia has Down's syndrome, says the government plans have prompted concern among parents she knows through her charity Sunshine and Smiles, which supports families like hers.
From BBC
"It's a money grab," said her mother, who believes Ritchie's long hospital stay gave the NHS an opportunity to switch to a less expensive package than the nurse‑led support she had at home.
From BBC
Eight out of 10 Canadians support assisted dying, but some worry about widening it further.
From Barron's
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.
