Definition of: support

(sə·pôrt′, -pōrt′) v.t.
1. To bear the weight of, especially from underneath; hold in position; keep from falling, sinking, etc.
2. To bear or sustain (weight, etc.).
3. To keep (a person, the mind, etc.) from failing or declining; strengthen.
4. To serve to uphold or corroborate (a statement, theory, etc.); substantiate; verify.
5. To provide (a person, institution, etc.) with maintenance; provide for.
6. To give approval or assistance to; uphold; advocate; aid.
7. To endure or tolerate: I cannot support his insolence.
8. To carry on; keep up; maintain: to support a war.
9. In the theater: a To act (a role or part). b To act in a subordinate role to.
—noun
1. The act of supporting.
2. One who or that which supports.
3. Subsistence. See synonyms under SUBSIDY. [<OF supporter <L supportare convey <sub- up from under + portare carry]
—sup·por′tive adjective Synonyms (verb): bear, carry, maintain, prop, sustain, uphold. Support and sustain alike signify to hold up or keep up, to prevent from falling or sinking; but sustain has a special sense of continuous exertion or strength, as when we speak of sustained endeavor or a sustained note; a flower is supported by the stem or a temple roof by arches; the foundations of a great building sustain an enormous pressure; to sustain life implies a greater exigency and need than to support life; to say one is sustained under affliction emphasizes the severity of the trial and the completeness of the upholding more than if we say he is supported. To bear is the most general word, denoting all holding up or keeping up of any object, whether in rest or motion; it refers to something that is a tax upon strength or endurance; as, to bear a strain; to bear pain or grief. To maintain is to keep in a state or condition, especially in an excellent and desirable condition; as, to maintain health, reputation, position, etc. Maintain is a word of more dignity than support; a man supports his family; a state maintains an army or navy. To prop is always partial, signifying to add support to something that is insecure. See ABET, AID, ENDURE, KEEP, LEAN, PROP. Antonyms: abandon, betray, demolish, desert, destroy, drop, overthrow, wreck.