uphold

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To support or maintain a law, principle, or decision.

   The court upheld the original verdict.

2. 2
   verb

   To defend or support something against opposition.

   The soldiers swore to uphold the constitution.

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”).

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