uphold

verb

Sayup-HOHLDUS/ˌʌpˈhoʊld//ˌʌpˈhəʊld/

Formsupholds, upholding, upheld

3 meanings of uphold

1
verbtransitive
To say that a decision, law, or rule is correct and should continue.
Like a referee agreeing that a goal really counts.
The judge will uphold the new safety rule.
The school upheld its decision to cancel the trip.
Similarconfirm, sustain, affirm, support, endorse
Oppositeoverturn, reverse, overrule, reject
2
verbtransitive
To hold something up so it stays standing and does not fall.
Like table legs holding up a heavy tabletop.
Thick stone columns uphold the heavy roof.
These beams upheld the bridge for over a century.
Similarsupport, bear, carry, sustain, hold
3
verbtransitive
To lift something up high into the air.
Like holding a flag up high so people far away can see it.
They uphold the banner high above the marching crowd.
She upheld the golden cup so everyone could see it.
Similarraise, lift, elevate, hoist
Oppositelower

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English upholden, made from up- and hold.