verb (used with object)
- to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.
- to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.
- to undergo or endure, especially with patience or submission; tolerate.
- to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction: They supported him throughout his ordeal.
- to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for: to support a family.
- to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one’s vote, etc.; back; second.
- to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.).
- to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.): Leading doctors supported his testimony.
- to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance: The star was supported by a talented newcomer.
noun
- the act or an instance of supporting.
- the state of being supported.
- something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay.
- maintenance, as of a person or family, with necessaries, means, or funds: to pay for support of an orphan.
- a person or thing that supports, as financially: The pension was his only support.
- a person or thing that gives aid or assistance.
- an actor, actress, or group performing with a lead performer.
- the material, as canvas or wood, on which a picture is painted.
- Stock Exchange. support level.
adjective
- (of hosiery) made with elasticized fibers so as to fit snugly on the legs, thereby aiding circulation, relieving fatigue, etc.
verb (tr)
- to carry the weight of
- to bear or withstand (pressure, weight, etc)
- to provide the necessities of life for (a family, person, etc)
- to tend to establish (a theory, statement, etc) by providing new facts; substantiate
- to speak in favour of (a motion)
- to give aid or courage to
- to give approval to (a cause, principle, etc); subscribe toto support a political candidature
- to endure with forbearanceI will no longer support bad behaviour
- to give strength to; maintainto support a business
- (tr) (in a concert) to perform earlier than (the main attraction)
- films theatre
- to play a subordinate role to
- to accompany (the feature) in a film programme
- to act or perform (a role or character)
noun
- the act of supporting or the condition of being supported
- a thing that bears the weight or part of the weight of a construction
- a person who or thing that furnishes aid
- the means of maintenance of a family, person, etc
- a band or entertainer not topping the bill
- the support an actor or group of actors playing subordinate roles
- med an appliance worn to ease the strain on an injured bodily structure or part
- the solid material on which a painting is executed, such as canvas
- See athletic support
v.late 14c., “to aid,” also “to hold up, prop up,” from Old French supporter, from Latin supportare “convey, carry, bring up,” from sub “up from under” + portare “to carry” (see port (n.1)). Related: Supported; supporting. n.late 14c., “act of assistance, backing, help, aid,” from support (v.). Meaning “one who provides assistance, protection, backing, etc.” is early 15c. Sense of “bearing of expense” is mid-15c. Physical sense of “that which supports” is from 1560s. Meaning “services which enable something to fulfil its function and remain in operation” (e.g. tech support) is from 1953. v.
- To bear the weight of, especially from below.
- To hold in position so as to keep from falling, sinking, or slipping.
- To be capable of bearing; withstand.
- To keep from weakening or failing; strengthen.
- To provide for or maintain, by supplying with money or necessities.
- To endure; tolerate.
n.
- The act of supporting.
- The state of being supported.
- One that supports or maintains.
- Maintenance, as of a family, with the necessities of life.