uphold
word
/əpˈhoʊɫd/
/ʌphˈəʊld/
Definition
To support, defend, or maintain something, especially a law, principle, or decision, and make sure it continues to be accepted.
Usage & Nuances
Usually formal. Common with 'law', 'principle', 'justice', and 'rights'. Implies active support, not just passive agreement. Often used in legal, moral, or official contexts.
Spanish: mantener - defender - sostenerPortuguese (BR): manter - defender - sustentarPortuguese (PT): manter - defender - sustentarChinese (Simplified): 维护 - 支持Chinese (Traditional): 維護 - 支持Hindi: कायम रखना - समर्थन करनाArabic: يدعم - يؤيد - يثبتBengali: সমর্থন করা - বজায় রাখাRussian: поддерживать - отстаиватьJapanese: 支持する - 守るVietnamese: duy trì - ủng hộKorean: 지지하다 - 옹호하다Turkish: desteklemek - sürdürmekUrdu: برقرار رکھنا - حمایت کرناIndonesian: menegakkan - mendukung
Example Sentences
We must uphold the law at all times.
basic
The judge will uphold the decision.
basic
It is important to uphold traditions.
basic
He fought hard to uphold his family's honor.
natural
As teachers, we must uphold high standards for our students.
natural
The organization promises to uphold human rights everywhere.
natural