uphold

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ʌpˈhoʊld/
• American: up·hold

Origin

From Middle English 'upholden', from Old English 'uphealdan': up (upward) + healdan (to hold)

Meanings

1. To maintain, support, or defend (something)

   • "The court upheld the previous ruling."
   • "She upholds high standards in her work."

2. To lift up; to raise

   • "The pillars uphold the roof of the temple."
   • "They uphold the values of democracy."

3. To keep going; to sustain

   • "He upholds family traditions."
   • "The organization upholds ethical business practices."

Forms

• Present: uphold
• Past: upheld
• Past Participle: upheld
• Present Participle: upholding
• Noun form: upholding
• Related noun: upholder

Synonyms

• maintain
• support
• sustain
• defend
• vindicate
• affirm
• champion
• back

Memory Tips

1. Think "hold up" in reverse - when you uphold something, you're holding it up (supporting it)
2. Break it into "up" + "hold" = to hold something up to a higher standard
3. Remember the phrase "uphold the law" - it's one of the most common uses

Common Collocations

• uphold the law
• uphold standards
• uphold principles
• uphold traditions
• uphold values
• uphold justice