v. & n.
v.tr. 1 carry all or part of the weight of. 2 keep from falling or sinking or failing. 3 provide with a home and the necessities of life (has a family to support). 4 enable to last out; give strength to; encourage. 5 bear out; tend to substantiate or corroborate (a statement, charge, theory, etc.). 6 give help or countenance to, back up; second, further. 7 speak in favour of (a resolution etc.). 8 be actively interested in (a particular team or sport). 9 take a part that is secondary to (a principal actor etc.). 10 assist (a lecturer etc.) by one's presence. 11 endure, tolerate (can no longer support the noise). 12 maintain or represent (a part or character) adequately. 13 subscribe to the funds of (an institution).
n. 1 the act or an instance of supporting; the process of being supported. 2 a person or thing that supports. in support of in order to support. supporting film (or picture etc.) a less important film in a cinema programme. support price a minimum price guaranteed to a farmer for agricultural produce and maintained by subsidy etc. supportable adj. supportability n. supportably adv. supportingly adv. supportless adj.
[ ME f. OF supporter f. L supportare (as SUB-, portare carry) ]