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Definition of uphold - 4 dictionary results

up⋅hold

[uhp-hohld]
–verb (used with object), -held, -hold⋅ing.
1. to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism: He fought the duel to uphold his family's honor.
2. 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.
3. to lift upward; raise: The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.
4. British.
a. to upholster.
b. to maintain in good condition; take care of.

Origin:
1175–1225; ME up holden. See up-, hold


up⋅hold⋅er, noun


1. See support.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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up·hold   (ŭp-hōld')   
tr.v.   up·held (-hěld'), up·hold·ing, up·holds
  1. To hold aloft; raise: upheld the banner proudly.

  2. To prevent from falling or sinking; support.

  3. To maintain or affirm against opposition. See Synonyms at support.

up·hold'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

uphold 
c.1225, "support, sustain," from up + hold (v.). Cf. O.Fris. upholda, M.Du. ophouden, Ger. aufhalten.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: up·hold
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -held; -hold·ing
: to judge valid : let stand <uphold an award>; specifically : to hold constitutional <uphold the practice of having religious invocations and benedictions at high school graduation ceremonies —Sands v. Morongo Unified Sch. Dist., 809 Pacific Reporter, Second Series 809 (1991)(dissent)> <uphold a statute>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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