upholding

From the verb uphold: (⇒ conjugate)

upholding is: ⓘ

v pres p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

up•hold /ʌpˈhoʊld/   v. [~ + object] , -held, -hold•ing. 

1. to support or defend, as against criticism:
   to uphold the family's good name.
2. to hold up;
   keep from sinking;
   support.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

up•hold  (up hōld′), v.t., -held, -hold•ing. 

1. to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism:
   He fought the duel to uphold his family's honor.
2. to keep up or keep from sinking;
   support:
   Stout columns upheld the building's heavy roof. Her faith upheld her in that time of sadness.
3. to lift upward;
   raise:
   The pilgrims upheld their eyes and thanked heaven for their safe journey.
4. British Terms
   • to upholster.
   • to maintain in good condition;
     take care of.

• Middle English up holden. See up-, hold 1175–1225

up•hold′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. See support. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

uphold / ʌpˈhəʊld/ verb ( -holds, -holding, -held)(transitive)

1. to maintain, affirm, or defend against opposition or challenge
2. to give moral support or inspiration to
3. to support physically
4. to lift up

upˈholder noun