uphold

[uhp-hohld]

verb (used with object)

upheld, upholding 

1. to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.

   He fought the duel to uphold his family's honor.

2. 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.

3. to lift upward; raise.

   The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.

4. British.

   1. to upholster.

   2. to maintain in good condition; take care of.

uphold

/ ʌpˈhəʊld /

verb

1. to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge

2. to give moral support or inspiration to

3. rare,  to support physically

4. to lift up

Other Word Forms

• upholder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uphold¹

First recorded in 1300–1350; Middle English upholden; up-, hold ¹

Example Sentences

Last December the High Court of Appeal upheld a corruption conviction and Sarkozy had to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet for six months.

Read more on BBC

The joint US-Ukrainian communique offered only an oblique insight, saying the two sides "reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine's sovereignty".

Read more on BBC

“The Committee is deeply concerned” that Berkeley Unified is “failing to uphold its obligations” to “end any harassment, eliminate any hostile environment and its effects and prevent any harassment from recurring.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If that court upholds the district court’s opinion, the Justice Department can appeal to the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The three other justices in the court's first chamber also voted to uphold Bolsonaro's detention, which will become official once the virtual session ends at 23h00 GMT.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• advocate 
• confirm 
• defend 
• encourage 
• endorse 
• hold to 
• justify 
• promote 
• side with 
• stand by 
• vindicate 

When To Use

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.