“Uphold” means to support , maintain , or defend something, especially a rule, belief, or decision.

Common meanings

  • To support or defend a principle: “uphold the law”.
  • To keep something in place or continue it: “uphold a tradition”.
  • In law, to say a decision is correct and let it stand: “the court upheld the verdict”.

Simple example

  • “Police are expected to uphold the law.”

Easy synonym

  • Support.
  • Defend.
  • Maintain.
  • Confirm, in legal contexts.

TL;DR: “Uphold” usually means to support or defend something, and in court it means to approve a decision so it stays in effect.