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

He said that if the allegations against the car firms are upheld in court it "would demonstrate one of the most egregious breaches of corporate trust in modern times".

Read more on BBC

“Our member cardrooms will continue to support good jobs, vital public services, and local economies across California while upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and compliance.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

UN rights chief Volker Turk "renews his call on security forces to desist from unnecessary force and to uphold the rights to free association and peaceful assembly," it said.

Read more on Barron's

He recalls struggling with the question of whether a Catholic judge could uphold a constitutional right to abortion or should instead resign altogether.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Proud of their roots, cooks and chefs are upholding recipes and techniques passed down over the stove and via old cookbooks that date back centuries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.