uphold

/ʌpˈhoʊld/
verb
  1. To support or defend something, such as a principle, law, or decision.
    • The judge upheld the lower court's ruling.
    • It is the duty of the police to uphold the law.
    • She always tries to uphold the values of honesty and fairness.
  2. To hold something up; to keep something from falling.
    • The pillars uphold the roof of the ancient temple.
    • Strong beams uphold the weight of the bridge.
    • He used his hands to uphold the sagging shelf.
What does "uphold" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean