uphold
up-HOHLD
/ʌpˈhoʊld/
To maintain or support in the face of challenge; to confirm or support a previous decision.
Most commonly used in legal contexts (judges upholding a ruling) or moral contexts (upholding values).
The story behind the word. A straightforward Germanic compound. It literally means to hold something up so it doesn't fall, which transitioned into the metaphorical sense of keeping a law or promise 'high' and visible.
Word relationships
- maintain: Maintain is more neutral; uphold implies there was a threat or challenge to the thing being held up.
- overturn: Specifically in legal contexts, to overturn is the opposite of to uphold.
Commonly confused with
- sustain: Sustain means to keep something going over time; uphold means to validate its correctness or status.
Word family
- upholder (noun): A person who supports or maintains something.
Collocations
- uphold the law
- uphold a tradition
- uphold a conviction
Example sentences
- "The Supreme Court voted to uphold the lower court's decision." Legal ruling
- "We have a duty to uphold the principles of democracy." Personal integrity
Memory hook
Imagine holding a trophy 'up' to show everyone it is still valid. Hold it high.
When not to use
Not used for physical support (like holding up a heavy box).
Fun facts
- In the 14th century, an 'upholder' was actually a dealer in small goods or a repairer of furniture.
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