uphold

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
  2. verb stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
  3. verb support against an opponent

Etymology

From Middle English upholden, equivalent to up- + hold. Compare Dutch ophouden (“to stop, cease, hold up”), German aufhalten (“to stop, halt, detain”). Compare also Middle Low German upholt, Old Norse upphald (“uphold, support”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

continue, carry on, bear on, preserve

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