bear up

verb

bore up; borne up also born up; bearing up; bears up

transitive verb

: support, encourage

intransitive verb

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

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

Synonyms

• inspire
• encourage
• buoy (up)

Examples of bear up in a Sentence

repeatedly borne up in times of adversity by his faith

Recent Examples on the Web

Nobody needed to go into the brush and stir that bear up. —Howard Copenhaver, Outdoor Life, 23 Apr. 2025

In 1970, the average Chinese woman was expected to bear up to six children throughout her lifetime. —Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

In 1970, the average Chinese woman was expected to bear up to six children throughout her lifetime. —Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Fabricated from the double-layered material used in conveyor belts, its oatmeal-colored shape could bear up to 500 pounds of weight—ultimately solidifying the tote’s status in the pantheon of carryalls. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for bear up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

bear up

verb

1

: to have the strength or courage

bear up under the strain

2

: to prove to be true, valid, or accurate

3

: to prove to be effective : hold up

a car that bears up to the harsh climate