support

sup•port

[[t]səˈpɔrt, -ˈpoʊrt[/t]] v. t.

1) to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.)

2) to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way

3) to maintain (a person, family, institution, etc.) with the necessities of existence; provide for

4) to sustain (a person, the spirits, etc.) under trial or affliction

5) to uphold or advocate (a person, cause, principle, etc.); back

6) to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.)

7) to undergo or endure, esp. patiently; tolerate

8) sbz to perform with (a leading actor or performer) in a secondary role

9) an act or instance of supporting

10) the state of being supported

11) something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay

12) maintenance, as of a person or family, with necessaries, means, or funds

13) a person or thing that supports, esp. financially

14) bus cmp assistance and service provided by a manufacturer, vendor, etc., to customers, esp. over the phone:

Many software companies have hotlines for tech support[/ex]

15) mil backup or assistance in combat

16) clo (of hosiery) made with elasticized fibers that exert a degree of tension on the legs, thereby aiding circulation, relieving fatigue, etc

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Etymology: 1350–1400; < MF supporter < ML supportāre to endure (L: to convey) =sup- sup-+portāre to carry sup•port′ive, adj.