/ ʌpˈhəʊld; NAmE -ˈhoʊld/ verb ( up·held , up·held / -ˈheld; NAmE /) [ vn ]
1.
to support sth that you think is right and make sure that it continues to exist :
We have a duty to uphold the law.
2.
( especially of a court of law ) to agree that a previous decision was correct or that a request is reasonable :
to uphold a conviction / an appeal / a complaint
► up·hold·er noun :
an upholder of traditional values