uphold
Americanverb (used with object)
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to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.
He fought the duel to uphold his family's honor.
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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.
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to lift upward; raise.
The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.
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British.
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to upholster.
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to maintain in good condition; take care of.
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verb
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to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge
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to give moral support or inspiration to
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rare to support physically
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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
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 Times has now reported that some complaints against Adams were upheld, but others were rejected.
From BBC
Chait has extensive experience presenting to the Board of Education and unfailingly upholds the administration’s perspective.
From Los Angeles Times
The Court of Appeal ruled that the council should have continued to uphold the plan because Theo remained "ordinarily resident" in Hampshire - a judgment that clarifies councils' responsibilities to children who are temporarily living overseas.
From BBC
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia upheld a tax court judgment against Murrin last fall.
From MarketWatch
Baelor, a politician and a feudal dynast, might understand on some level that by fighting with Dunk, he is, in his own way, upholding the dignity of the crown and keeping the commoners placated.
From Salon
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.
