Definition of: uphold

(up·hōld′) v.t. ·held, ·hold·ing
1. To hold up; raise.
2. To keep from falling or sinking.
3. To give aid or support to; encourage.
4. To regard with approval. See synonyms under ABET, AID, ASSENT, CONFIRM, HELP, JUSTIFY, PRESERVE, SUPPORT.
—up·hold′er noun