verb

uphold

to uphold, to support, to maintain, to confirm

We must uphold the law.

We must uphold the law.

The court upheld the previous decision.

The court upheld the previous decision.

((sth.)) to support or defend (sth.) such as a law or principle. We have a duty to uphold the law.

((sth.)) to state that a previous decision was correct. The court of appeal upheld the verdict.

Synonyms: maintain, support, defend, confirm; Antonyms: overturn, abolish

From 'up' + 'hold'. Literally to 'hold up' something, like a principle or a decision, to prevent it from falling.

Picture holding a trophy 'up' high to show your support and victory. You 'uphold' the honour.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.