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to uphold

to uphold

176 4.4
To support and keep a law, decision, or belief in effect
  • verb
  • /ʌpˈhoʊld/
translation icon : mantener
  • We are the world leader trusted to uphold the stability of rule of law.
  • uphold the law
  • uphold the Constitution
  • uphold the principles

They were super tough at upholding the standard.

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Examples

  • But I am sworn to uphold the law.

  • Instead, they swear to uphold a Constitution.

  • When both sides feel they have won, they are more likely to uphold the agreement.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • I'm willing to die to support and uphold and defend our Constitution.

  • It's about those of us that want to uphold democracy against the fascists.

  • Of course, most judges are conscientious, and states should expect their judicial officers to uphold the law.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Virtual communities on the Internet give further support to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of minorities.

    Academic text (1999)
  • So it's upholding the Queen's peace, upholding the law and human rights.

  • The Court concluded that the government's interest in preventing partial-birth abortion was sufficient to uphold the law.

    Academic text (2017)
  • It is our duty to uphold the principles of justice in our society.

Synonyms

to defend
vsto uphold
691 2.8

To speak up to support a person or idea when others criticize it

focuses on maintaining a rule or decision in force rather than just arguing
to sustain
vsto uphold
  • Formal
62 6.5

To say a judge accepts a lawyer's objection or motion

is broader and means to keep a law, decision, or belief in effect

Antonyms

2.9

To be against something and try to stop it

to invalidate
  • Formal
33 6.1

To make a document or agreement have no legal effect anymore

Phrasal Verbs

To keep and respect old ways in a family or community

How Strong

to champion
64 4.2
to defend
1.3
to uphold
176 4.4
to back
932 1.0
support
1.0

Surface Forms

uphold infinitive
upholding present participle
upholds third person singular
upheld past
upheld past participle

Morphology

uphold = hold (transparent) = up + hold

The meaning of 'uphold' is directly derived from 'up' + 'hold', indicating support or maintenance.

Etymology

Uphold is made of the simple parts up ('above') and hold ('keep' or 'support'), so imagine physically holding something up so it does not fall. That's why to uphold a law, decision, or belief is to support it and keep it in effect.