Past tense and past participle of uphold; maintained, supported, or confirmed the validity of something, especially a decision, principle, or law.
From 'up' (Old English 'upp') + 'held' (past tense of 'hold,' Old English 'healdan'). Compound formed in Middle English, originally meaning 'to lift up,' later developing the figurative sense of 'maintain' or 'support' by 1400s.
The physical image embedded in this word - literally holding something up - beautifully captures what happens when courts uphold decisions or people uphold principles. It suggests that maintaining ideals requires the same kind of constant effort as physically supporting weight against gravity.
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