/ səˈpɔːt; NAmE səˈpɔːrt/ verb , noun
■ verb
[ vn ]
ENCOURAGE / GIVE HELP
1.
support sb/sth (in sth) to help or encourage sb/sth by saying or showing that you agree with them / it
SYN back :
to support a proposal
The government supported the unions in their demand for a minimum wage.
These measures are strongly supported by environmental groups.
If you raise it at the meeting, I'll support you.
2.
to give or be ready to give help to sb if they need it :
an organization that supports people with AIDS
The company will support customers in Europe (= solve their problems with a product) .
PROVIDE MONEY, etc.
3.
to help or encourage sth to be successful by giving it money
SYN sponsor :
Several major companies are supporting the project.
4.
to provide everything necessary, especially money, so that sb/sth can live or exist :
Mark has two children to support from his first marriage.
He turned to crime to support his drug habit.
The atmosphere of Mars could not support life.
HOLD IN POSITION
5.
to hold sb/sth in position; to prevent sb/sth from falling :
a platform supported by concrete pillars
Support the baby's head when you hold it.
HELP PROVE STH
6.
to help to show that sth is true
SYN corroborate :
The witness's story was not supported by the evidence.
SPORTS TEAM
7.
( BrE ) to like a particular sports team, watch their games, etc. :
Which team do you support?
POP CONCERT
8.
( of a pop band or singer ) to perform in a pop concert before the main performer :
They were supported by a local Liverpool band.
COMPUTER
9.
( of a computer or computer system ) to allow a particular program, language or device to be used with it :
This digital audio player supports multiple formats.
■ noun
ENCOURAGEMENT / MONEY
1.
[ U ] support (for sth) encouragement and help that you give to sb/sth because you approve of them and want them to be successful :
There is strong public support for the change.
Can I rely on your support (= will you vote for me) in the election?
Only a few people spoke in support of the proposal.
Local businesses have provided financial support .
She has no visible means of support (= no work, income etc.) .
HELP
2.
[ U ] sympathy and help that you give to sb who is in a difficult or unhappy situation :
Her family and friends have given her lots of support.
—see also moral support
HOLDING IN POSITION
3.
[ C ] a thing that holds sth and prevents it from falling :
The supports under the bridge were starting to bend.
( figurative )
When my father died, Jim was a real support.
4.
[ U ] the act of holding sth firmly in position or preventing it from falling :
I wrapped a bandage around my ankle to give it some support.
She held on to his arm for support.
5.
[ C ] something you wear to hold an injured or weak part of your body firmly in position :
a knee / back support
PROOF
6.
[ U ] evidence that helps to show that sth is true or correct :
The statistics offer further support for our theory.
POP CONCERT
7.
[ U ] a band or singer who performs in a pop concert before the main performer :
The support (act) has yet to be confirmed.
TECHNICAL HELP
8.
[ U ] technical help that a company gives to customers using their computers or other products :
We offer free technical support .
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (originally in the sense tolerate ): from Old French supporter , from Latin supportare , from sub- from below + portare carry.