support

Universal Words verb, noun verb [VN] encourage / give help 1 ~ sb/sth (in sth) to help or encourage sb/sth by saying or showing that you agree with them/it SYNBACK: to support a proposal / ban / reform * The government supported the unions in their demand for a minimum wage. * These measures are strongly supported by environmental groups. * If you raise it at the meeting, I'll support you. 2 to give or be ready to give help to sb if they need it: an organization that supports people with Aids * She supported her husband through many difficult times. * The company will support customers in Europe (= solve their problems with the product). provide money, etc. 3 to help or encourage sth to be successful by giving it money: Several major companies are supporting the project. 4 to provide everything necessary, especially money, so that sb/sth can live or exist: Mark has two children to support from his first marriage. * He turned to crime to support his drug habit. * The atmosphere of Mars could not support life. * She supported herself through college by working as a waitress in a local bar. * The town supports a small fishing fleet. hold in position 5 to hold sb/sth in position; to prevent sb/sth from falling: a platform supported by concrete pillars * Support the baby's head when you hold it. * She walked carefully down the stairs, supported by her grandson. help prove sth 6 to help to show that sth is true: The witness's story was not supported by the evidence. * The results of the experiment supported her theory. sports team 7 (BrE) to like a particular sports team, watch their games, etc: Which team do you support? noun encouragement / money 1 [U] ~ (for sth) encouragement and help that you give to sb/sth because you approve of them and want them to be successful: There is strong public support for the change. * Can I rely on your support (= will you vote for me) in the election? * Only a few people spoke in support of the proposal. * Local businesses have provided financial support. * She has no visible means of support (= no work, income etc.). * The idea has met with widespread support. * to lend / pledge / withdraw your support help 2 [U] sympathy and help that you give to sb who is in a difficult or unhappy situation: Her family and friends have given her lots of support. * Thanks for all your support on the day of the funeral. seealsoMORALSUPPORT holding in position 3 [C] a thing that holds sth and prevents it from falling: The supports under the bridge were starting to bend. * (figurative) When my father died, Jim was a real support. 4 [U] the act of holding sth firmly in position or preventing it from falling: I wrapped a bandage around my ankle to give it some support. * She held on to his arm for support. 5 [C] something you wear to hold an injured or weak part of your body firmly in position: a knee / back support proof 6 [U] evidence that helps to show that sth is true or correct: The statistics offer further support for our theory.