Uphold
/ʌpˈhəʊld/
Definitions
To confirm or support something, such as a law, principle, or decision.
/ʌpˈhəʊld/
To support or maintain something, typically a law or a principle.
The Constitution upholds the rights of all citizens.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a judge! Upholding means you're saying, 'Yes, this is still right' or 'We're going to keep this going.' Like when a judge agrees with a previous ruling, they uphold it.
👶 For kids: To keep something up, like a rule or a promise.
More Examples
The company is committed to upholding its environmental policies.
The judge upheld the jury's verdict.
How It's Used
"The court upheld the lower court's decision."
"She upheld her commitment to ethical practices."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
uphold the law
To enforce and obey the rules and regulations of a legal system.
"Police officers are sworn to uphold the law."
uphold a standard
To maintain a certain level of quality or expectation.
"The company strives to uphold a high standard of customer service."
From Middle English *upholden*, from Old English *ūphaldan* (to hold up, support), from *up* (up) + *haldan* (to hold).
The word has been used since Old English to convey the idea of supporting or maintaining something.
Memory tip
Think of holding something up, supporting it with your hands – like a law or value.
Word Origin
"to hold up, support"