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verb (used with object)
1.
to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.
2.
to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.
3.
to undergo or endure, especially with patience or submission; tolerate.
4.
to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction:
They supported him throughout his ordeal.
5.
to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for:
to support a family.
6.
to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one’s vote, etc.; back; second.
7.
to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.).
8.
to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.):
Leading doctors supported his testimony.
9.
to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance:
The star was supported by a talented newcomer.
noun
10.
the act or an instance of supporting.
11.
the state of being supported.
12.
something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay.
13.
maintenance, as of a person or family, with necessaries, means, or funds:
to pay for support of an orphan.
14.
a person or thing that supports, as financially:
The pension was his only support.
15.
a person or thing that gives aid or assistance.
16.
an actor, actress, or group performing with a lead performer.
17.
the material, as canvas or wood, on which a picture is painted.
18.
Stock Exchange. support level.
adjective
19.
(of hosiery) made with elasticized fibers so as to fit snugly on the legs, thereby aiding circulation, relieving fatigue, etc.
verb (transitive)
1.
to carry the weight of
2.
to bear or withstand (pressure, weight, etc)
3.
to provide the necessities of life for (a family, person, etc)
4.
to tend to establish (a theory, statement, etc) by providing new facts; substantiate
5.
to speak in favour of (a motion)
6.
to give aid or courage to
7.
to give approval to (a cause, principle, etc); subscribe to: to support a political candidature
8.
to endure with forbearance: I will no longer support bad behaviour
9.
to give strength to; maintain: to support a business
10.
(transitive) (in a concert) to perform earlier than (the main attraction)
11.
(films, theatre)

to play a subordinate role to
to accompany (the feature) in a film programme

12.
to act or perform (a role or character)
noun
13.
the act of supporting or the condition of being supported
14.
a thing that bears the weight or part of the weight of a construction
15.
a person who or thing that furnishes aid
16.
the means of maintenance of a family, person, etc
17.
a band or entertainer not topping the bill
18.
the support, an actor or group of actors playing subordinate roles
19.
(med) an appliance worn to ease the strain on an injured bodily structure or part
20.
the solid material on which a painting is executed, such as canvas
21.
See athletic support

support sup·port (sə-pôrt’)
v. sup·port·ed, sup·port·ing, sup·ports

To bear the weight of, especially from below.

To hold in position so as to keep from falling, sinking, or slipping.

To be capable of bearing; withstand.

To keep from weakening or failing; strengthen.

To provide for or maintain, by supplying with money or necessities.

To endure; tolerate.

n.

The act of supporting.

The state of being supported.

One that supports or maintains.

Maintenance, as of a family, with the necessities of life.

After-sale handholding; something many software vendors promise but few deliver. To hackers, most support people are useless – because by the time a hacker calls support he or she will usually know the software and the relevant manuals better than the support people (sadly, this is *not* a joke or exaggeration). A hacker’s idea of “support” is a tête-à-tête or exchange of electronic mail with the software’s designer.
[Jargon File]
(1995-02-15)