n. Function: verb
1
Synonyms: BEAR 10, abide, brook, endure, go, stand, ||stick, stomach, swallow, take
2 to favor actively in the face of opposition FF1C; support an unpopular economic policy FF1E;
Synonyms: advocate, back, backstop, champion, side (with), uphold
Related Words: applaud, approve, endorse, favor, plunk (for), pull (for), root; adopt, embrace, espouse; defend, maintain, sustain
Idioms: align oneself with, be on (someone's) side, take (someone's) side
Contrasted Words: battle, combat, counter, fight, oppose; withstand
Antonyms: buck
3 to supply what is needed for sustenance FF1C; support his family FF1E;
Synonyms: maintain, provide (for)
Idioms: boil the pot, bring home the bacon, make a living for, take care of
4 to hold up in position by serving as a foundation or base for FF1C; pillars supporting an arch FF1E;
Synonyms: bear up, bolster, brace, buttress, carry, prop, shore (up), sustain, upbear, uphold
Related Words: stand
5 to keep from yielding, sinking, or losing courage or stability FF1C; her friends supported her during the crisis FF1E;
Synonyms: bolster, buoy (up), prop, sustain, underprop, uphold; compare ENCOURAGE 1
Related Words: encourage; fortify, stiffen, strengthen