bear up
verb
bore up; borne up also born up; bearing up; bears up
1
: to summon up courage, resolution, or strength
bearing up under the strain
2
a
: to prove to be true, accurate, or valid : hold up
The deal was scrapped when it became apparent that it would not bear up to scrutiny from the European Commission.—
Lars Brandle
Lars Brandle
b
: to prove to be effective or able to withstand something : hold up
The brand … first became popular after the duo succeeded in building cars that could bear up to Sweden's rough roads and freezing temperatures.—Hannah M. Muralla
Hannah M. Muralla
Synonyms
Examples of bear up in a Sentence
repeatedly borne up in times of adversity by his faith
Recent Examples on the Web
But unless there was federal force there, the numbers didn’t bear up.
—How To Save A Country, The New Republic, 22 June 2023
It's been a consistent phenomenon for folks born up until the 1900s.
—Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 14 Apr. 2023
As is true with much of life, income and wealth inequality — not some dreamy thought of everyone being absolutely equal, but a reasonable expectation that groups shouldn’t bear up under pressure so others can have an advantage —is an issue of hypocrisy.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
How can a show bear up under them for so long?
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2021
The rock would then bear up much of the ice's weight, keeping it from deforming as easily.
—Nola Taylor Redd, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2018
Another recent worldwide study found that the mental health of people was surprisingly resilient during the pandemic—suggesting, perhaps, that kindness helped others bear up in difficult times.
—Cassie Werber, Quartz, 20 Mar. 2023
Rent has become a giant lever of pain for millions of people who often are in the worst position to bear up under it.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
Foundations across Siberian cities can bear up to 46 percent less load in 2010 than in the 1960s, putting them at risk of collapse.
—Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2019
See More
How To Save A Country, The New Republic, 22 June 2023
It's been a consistent phenomenon for folks born up until the 1900s.
—Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 14 Apr. 2023
As is true with much of life, income and wealth inequality — not some dreamy thought of everyone being absolutely equal, but a reasonable expectation that groups shouldn’t bear up under pressure so others can have an advantage —is an issue of hypocrisy.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
How can a show bear up under them for so long?
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2021
The rock would then bear up much of the ice's weight, keeping it from deforming as easily.
—Nola Taylor Redd, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2018
Another recent worldwide study found that the mental health of people was surprisingly resilient during the pandemic—suggesting, perhaps, that kindness helped others bear up in difficult times.
—Cassie Werber, Quartz, 20 Mar. 2023
Rent has become a giant lever of pain for millions of people who often are in the worst position to bear up under it.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
Foundations across Siberian cities can bear up to 46 percent less load in 2010 than in the 1960s, putting them at risk of collapse.
—Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bear up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Time Traveler
The first known use of bear up was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near bear up
Cite this Entry
“Bear up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear%20up. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
bear up
verb
: to have the strength or courage
bear up under the strain
More from Merriam-Webster on bear up
Nglish: Translation of bear up for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of bear up for Arabic Speakers
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