Search results for 'support':

support verb (supported, supporting) 1 to keep something upright or in place. 2 to keep from falling. 3 to bear the weight of someone or something. 4 to give active approval, encouragement, money, etc to (an institution, belief, theory, etc); to advocate something. 5 to provide someone or something with the means necessary for living or existing • She supports a large family • a salary that allows her to support a lavish lifestyle. 6 to maintain a loyal and active interest in the fortunes of (a particular sport or team), eg by attending matches regularly. 7 to reinforce the accuracy or validity of (eg a theory, claim, etc) • The evidence supports the prosecution's case. 8 to speak in favour of (a proposal, etc). 9 to play a part subordinate to (a leading actor). 10 to perform before (the main item in a concert, show, etc) • is supporting Aztec Camera. 11 computing said of a computer, an operating system, etc: to allow for the use of (a specified language, program, etc). 12 to bear or tolerate something. noun 1 the act of supporting; the state of being supported. 2 someone or something that supports. 3 someone or something that helps, comforts, etc. 4 a (often the support) a group, singer, film, etc that accompanies or comes on before the main attraction • The support was better than the main act; b as adj • a different support band each night. 5 medicine a something that is designed to take the strain off an injured or weak body part • a surgical support; b as adj • support tights. supportable adj. supportability noun. supportably adverb. supporting adj, noun. supportless adj. in support of someone or something advocating them or it; in favour, approval, etc of them or it; corroborating or reinforcing (an argument, theory, etc).
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: from French supporter, from Latin supportare to convey.