uphold
- 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.
Origin of uphold
Synonym study
Related Words for uphold
vindicate, confirm, defend, advocate, encourage, endorse, promote, justify, bolster, champion, raise, buttress, hoist, brace, assist, countenance, back, upraise, prop, elevateExamples from the Web for uphold
Contemporary Examples of uphold
A few days later, Bush replied, “We will uphold the law in Florida.”
And yet, ultimately, the Supreme Court holds the power to uphold or undo what it has taken him years to accomplish.
Meese, with the tacit acquiescence of other top officials, had laid out a version of events all were expected to uphold.
How the Reagan White House Bungled Its Response to Iran-Contra RevelationsMalcolm Byrne
November 3, 2014
“It also comes with a bit of pressure to uphold that look,” he laughs.
Earlier this week she pleaded with ISIS to uphold the verdict of a makeshift Sharia court, which ruled that he was not a spy.
Historical Examples of uphold
Wise counsels, like those which gave us the Constitution, prevailed to uphold it.
I will uphold the curve of her eyelashes, for it tickleth my very heart-root to think of her.
The White CompanyArthur Conan Doyle
It seemed as if they stood 'round me, ready to uphold me in what I was doin'.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
The only one who walked pretty soberly was the head-master, who had to uphold his dignity.
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
He may be a Republican, and he must uphold with warmth and conviction Royalist theories.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
uphold
- to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge
- to give moral support or inspiration to
- rare to support physically
- to lift up