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Definition of uphold

uphold

/ʌpˈhoʊld/
up · hold
Past Simple:upheld
•
Past Participle:upheld
•
Present Participle:upholding
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uphold Lexical Profile

uphold Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To maintain, defend, or support a custom, law, principle, or practice against challenge or erosion.

Example

"Every citizen has a civic duty to uphold the core principles of justice and equality."

2

To confirm or validate a previous legal decision, verdict, or ruling rather than reversing it.

Example

"The appellate court voted unanimously to uphold the lower court's ruling."

3

To hold up or support physically so as to keep from falling or sinking (formal or literary).

Example

"Massive stone columns uphold the vaulted ceiling of the ancient cathedral."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for uphold

• Nearby Words

upgrader
upheaval
uphill
uphold
upholder
upholster
upholsterer

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English upholden, formed from up- and holden ('to hold'), modeled after Old English uphabban ('to lift up, support').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Uphold. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/uphold
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