verb (used with object), up·held, up·hold·ing.
- to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism: He fought the duel to uphold his family’s honor.
- 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.
- to lift upward; raise: The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.
- British.
- to upholster.
- to maintain in good condition; take care of.
verb -holds, -holding or -held (tr)
- to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge
- to give moral support or inspiration to
- rare to support physically
- to lift up
v.early 13c., “support, sustain,” from up + hold (v.). Cf. Old Frisian upholda, Middle Dutch ophouden, German aufhalten. Related: Upheld; upholding.