sup·port
[suh-pawrt, -pohrt]
–verb (used with object)
1.) to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.
2) to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.
3.) to undergo or endure, esp. with patience or submission; tolerate.
4.) to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction: They supported him throughout his ordeal.
5.) to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for: to support a family.
6.) to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one's vote, etc.; back; second.
7.) to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.).
8.) to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.): Leading doctors supported his testimony.
9.) to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance: The star was supported by a talented newcomer.
–noun
10.) the act or an instance of supporting.
11.) the state of being supported.
12.) something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay.
13.) maintenance, as of a person or family, with necessaries, means, or funds: to pay for support of an orphan.
14.) a person or thing that supports, as financially: The pension was his only support.
15.) a person or thing that gives aid or assistance.
16.) an actor, actress, or group performing with a lead performer.
17.) the material, as canvas or wood, on which a picture is painted.
Origin:
1350–1400; (v.) ME supporten < MF supporter < ML supportāre to endure (L: to convey), equiv. to sup- sup- + portāre to carry ( see port5 ); (n.) ME, deriv. of the v.
1350–1400; (v.) ME supporten < MF supporter < ML supportāre to endure (L: to convey), equiv. to sup- sup- + portāre to carry ( see port5 ); (n.) ME, deriv. of the v.
—Related forms
sup·port·ing·ly, adverb
non·sup·port·ing, adjective
pre·sup·port, noun, verb (used with object)
pro·sup·port, adjective
qua·si-sup·port·ed, adjective
un·der·sup·port, noun
un·sup·port·ed, adjective
un·sup·port·ed·ly, adverb
un·sup·port·ing, adjective
well-sup·port·ed, adjective
—Synonyms
1, 6. Support, maintain, sustain, uphold all mean to hold up and to preserve. To support is to hold up or add strength to, literally or figuratively: The columns support the roof. To maintain is to support so as to preserve intact: to maintain an attitude of defiance. To sustain, a rather elevated word, suggests completeness and adequacy in supporting: The court sustained his claim. Uphold applies esp. to supporting or backing another, as in a statement, opinion, or belief: to uphold the rights of a minority. 3. suffer, bear, stand, stomach. 13. sustenance, subsistence, keep. See living.
