Upheld

To maintain, support, or defend a principle, a law, a decision, or a claim. To confirm or endorse something that has been challenged or questioned. It often implies a public acknowledgement or official validation. The act of upholding suggests that a judgment, viewpoint, or established standard is found to be valid and remains in effect, thus resisting any attempts to change it. 'Upheld' conveys a sense of preservation of existing conditions, in the face of attempts to remove or override them, and its connotation is generally positive reflecting the acceptance of the validity of something.

Upheld meaning with examples

• The Supreme Court Upheld the lower court's ruling, confirming the legality of the new environmental regulations, much to the relief of conservationists. They ruled that the evidence supported the decision made, thus ensuring the regulations' continued enforcement and setting a precedent for future cases.
• Despite significant public outcry, the board of directors Upheld the CEO's controversial decision, citing strategic long-term benefits for the company. Their decision, viewed by critics as a blow to transparency, nevertheless ensured continued operation, reflecting the board's commitment to existing leadership.
• The ethics committee Upheld the whistle-blower's accusations, which led to consequences. Despite initial reluctance by the company to listen to the concerns, the ethical framework and legal requirements were deemed to be of greater importance and they found the behavior unethical.
• The librarian Upheld the library's policy against censorship, protecting access to a wide range of books. This action was intended to preserve the library's function and the ability of visitors to freely read the printed books, thus supporting the freedom to think and access information.