uphold Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
    carry on; preserve; continue; bear on.
    • preserve the peace in the family
    • continue the family tradition
    • Carry on the old traditions
  2. verb stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
  3. verb support against an opponent
    maintain.
    • The appellate court upheld the verdict

WordNet


Up*hold" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To hold up; to lift on high; to elevate.
    The mournful train with groans, and hands upheld. Besought his pity. Dryden.
  2. To keep erect; to support; to sustain; to keep from falling; to maintain.
    Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. Prov. xxix 3.
    Faulconbridge, In spite of spite, alone upholds the day. Shak.
  3. To aid by approval or encouragement; to countenance; as, to uphold a person in wrongdoing.

Webster 1913