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support

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verb [transitive] British English pronunciation: support /səˈpɔː(r)t/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theysupport
he/she/itsupports
present participlesupporting
past tensesupported
past participlesupported
 
  1. 1
    to approve of an idea or of a person or organization and help them to be successful

    The United Nations has supported efforts to return the refugees peacefully.

    The proposed reduction in taxes is supported by 73% of the people.

    support doing something:

    The majority of Europeans support sending troops into the region.

    support someone in (doing) something:

    Everyone came together to support him in his campaign for justice.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
    1. a.
      to help someone and be kind to them when they are having a difficult time

      My friends have supported me through the entire trial.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
  2. 2
    to hold the weight of someone or of something such as a building or structure so that they do not move or fall

    A pair of wooden beams was the only thing supporting the roof.

    support something with something:

    The plants were supported with wire.

    be supported by something:

    She was sitting up in bed, supported by pillows.

    support yourself (=hold or lean on something so that you do not fall):

    Use the handle to support yourself.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
  3. 3
    to provide money, food, shelter, or other things that someone needs in order to live

    How can we support our families on such low wages?

    support yourself:

    She’s been supporting herself since she was 18 years old.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
    1. a.
      to give money to a politician, organization etc in order to help them to achieve a particular aim

      His campaign was supported mainly by wealthy businessmen.

      Thanks to all of you who supported our appeal.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
    2. b.
      to get enough money to pay for an activity, habit, or interest, especially a bad one such as taking drugs

      Drug users often become thieves in order to support their addiction.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
    3. c.
      if land supports people or animals, enough food grows on it to feed them
      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
  4. 4
    to show that an idea, statement, theory etc is true or correct

    Several witnesses supported Mrs Carson’s claim of harassment.

    Our conclusions are supported by extensive research.

    You will need to provide supporting evidence for your claim.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support
  7. 7
    computing to provide information and material to keep a computer system or program working

    Does the company still support that version of the program?

    You can download the program free, but it’s not supported.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  supportThesaurus entry for this meaning of support

This is the British English definition of support. View American English definition of support.

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