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
- upholder noun
Etymology
Origin of uphold
First recorded in 1300–1350; Middle English upholden; 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.
The prime minister is expected to "discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire", according to No 10.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
"We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values."
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
A spokesperson for the operator said the safety, wellbeing and care of residents "is always our absolute priority" and it works "closely to uphold high standards of care."
From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026
Washington and its allies need to uphold freedom of navigation of the world’s seas and not wait until a crisis to address a threat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
We were seven trainees in that year’s group and each one of us was being carefully prepared to uphold the majesty of the Shell Company in one or another remote tropical country.
From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl
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.
