Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Uphold \Up*hold"\, v. t.
   1. To hold up; to lift on high; to elevate.

            The mournful train with groans, and hands upheld.
            Besought his pity.                    --Dryden.

   2. To keep erect; to support; to sustain; to keep from
      falling; to maintain.

            Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. --Prov.
                                                  xxix 3.

            Faulconbridge, In spite of spite, alone upholds the
            day.                                  --Shak.

   3. To aid by approval or encouragement; to countenance; as,
      to uphold a person in wrongdoing.

Source : WordNet®

uphold
     v 1: keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or
          last; "preserve the peace in the family"; "continue the
          family tradition"; "Carry on the old traditions" [syn: {continue},
           {carry on}, {bear on}, {preserve}] [ant: {discontinue}]
     2: stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
     3: support against an opponent; "The appellate court upheld the
        verdict" [syn: {maintain}]
     [also: {upheld}]