verb
Uncommon
uphold
uhp-HOHLD
Uphold (verb) means to support or maintain something, such as a law, principle, or standard. Example: “The judge upheld the original ruling.”
verb
1
To support or maintain something, such as a law, principle, or standard.
"The judge upheld the original ruling."
"The organization works to uphold human rights."
2
To physically hold something up or keep it from falling.
"The old pillars uphold the roof of the temple."
How to use uphold
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep something standing, valid, or in force — a decision, a value, or a physical structure.
Common pairings
uphold the law
uphold a decision
uphold standards
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- upholds
- Past tense
- upheld, upholden
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The organization works to _____ human rights.
Etymology
From Middle English upholden, from up- + hold.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “uphold” mean?
The word “uphold” means to support or maintain something, such as a law, principle, or standard. In plain terms, to keep something standing, valid, or in force — a decision, a value, or a physical structure.
How do you pronounce “uphold”?
“Uphold” is pronounced uhp-HOHLD (/ˌʌpˈhəʊld/ in IPA).
How do you use “uphold” in a sentence?
Here is “uphold” used in a sentence: “The organization works to uphold human rights.”
What is another word for “uphold”?
Words with a similar meaning to “uphold” include vindicate.
What part of speech is “uphold”?
“Uphold” is a verb.
Where does the word “uphold” come from?
The word “uphold” comes from Middle English. From Middle English upholden, from up- + hold.
Is “uphold” a common word?
“Uphold” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “uphold” have?
“Uphold” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to support or maintain something, such as a law, principle, or standard.
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