Dictionary
sup•port
Pronunciation: (su-pôrt', -pōrt'), [key]—
v.t.
1. to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.
2. to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.
3. to undergo or endure, esp. with patience or submission; tolerate.
4. to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction:
They supported him throughout his ordeal.
5. to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for:
to support a family.
6. to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one's vote, etc.; back; second.
7. to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.).
8. to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.):
Leading doctors supported his testimony.
9. to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance:
The star was supported by a talented newcomer.
—
n.
1. the act or an instance of supporting.
2. the state of being supported.
3. something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay.
4. maintenance, as of a person or family, with necessaries, means, or funds:
to pay for support of an orphan.
5. a person or thing that supports, as financially:
The pension was his only support.
6. a person or thing that gives aid or assistance.
7. an actor, actress, or group performing with a lead performer.
8. the material, as canvas or wood, on which a picture is painted.
9. Stock Exchange.See
support level.
—
adj.
(of hosiery) made with elasticized fibers so as to fit snugly on the legs, thereby aiding circulation, relieving fatigue, etc.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
