<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for: Don’t take down this dividing wall, as it supports the roof.</li><li>to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, speed, etc.) without giving way: The specs on this folding chair say it can support up to 200 pounds.</li><li>to encourage, comfort, help, etc., under trial or affliction; sustain: They supported him throughout his ordeal.</li><li>to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for: It is next to impossible to support a family on such a low salary.</li><li>to give financial assistance to (a person, organization, program, etc.); be a contributor to or patron of: I try to support the local theater by buying season tickets every year.</li><li>to provide regular updates, troubleshooting, service, etc., for (a program or device): They’re no longer supporting this version of the operating system.</li><li>to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, public approval, one's vote, etc.; back; second: He was unable to support the resolution, but did not speak out against it either.</li><li>to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.): Many viewers support the theory that the housekeeper will turn out to be the murderer.</li><li>to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.): Leading doctors supported his testimony.</li><li>to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance: The star was supported by a talented newcomer.</li><li>to undergo or endure, especially with patience or submission; tolerate: How do you support the constant drama in this office?</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the act of sustaining, upholding, helping, advocating for, etc.: Without emotional support I would never have made it through.</li><li>something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay: Those L-brackets are the supports for the shelf.</li><li>maintenance, such as of a person or family, with necessities, means, or funds: He paid for the support of the orphans until they completed their education.</li><li>a person or thing that helps or gives assistance, support, etc.: She certainly is a help in an emergency.</li><li>a person or thing that gives aid, encouragement, etc.: You have been such a support to me over this challenging time.</li><li>a department, team, or individual that offers troubleshooting, instruction, assistance, etc., to users: If you’re still having trouble signing in, contact support at the number below.</li><li>regular updates, troubleshooting, service, etc., by a manufacturer for a piece of software or hardware: Support for this application has been withdrawn.</li><li>an actor, actress, or group performing with a lead performer.</li><li>serving to assist, such as by providing instruction or solving problems, managing administrative tasks, supplementing the activities of colleagues, etc.: Teachers are calling for smaller class sizes and more support personnel in the classroom.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>serving to assist, such as by providing instruction or solving problems, managing administrative tasks, supplementing the activities of colleagues, etc.: You will be acting in a support role to the executive director.</li></ul>