up·hold 
/ˌʌpˈhoʊld/ verb
up·holds; up·held /ˌʌpˈhoʊld/ verb /-ˈhɛld/ up·hold·ing [+ obj] 1 : to support or defend (something, such as a law)
▪ He took an oath to uphold the Constitution. ▪ They have a responsibility to uphold the law. 2 : to judge (a legal decision) to be correct : to decide not to change (a verdict)
▪ The Court of Appeals upheld his conviction.
▪ He took an oath to uphold the Constitution. ▪ They have a responsibility to uphold the law.
▪ The Court of Appeals upheld his conviction.
— up·hold·er noun, plural up·hold·ers [count]
▪ upholders of democracy
▪ upholders of democracy
