stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
"The community gathered to uphold their local park against plans to turn it into a parking lot."
To hold up; to lift on high; to elevate.
"She reached up and gently upheld her fallen daughter in her arms until she could stand again."
A surname.
"Mr. Uphold is hosting a dinner party at his family estate in the countryside."
The word "uphold" comes from Middle English, formed by combining "up-" with "hold." Originally, it meant to physically hold something up or keep it in place.