verb

stützen

support · support oneself

Etwas festhalten oder tragen, damit es nicht fällt oder wackelt.

Definition & meaning

stützen means to support, prop up, or stabilize someone or something, either physically or figuratively.

Physical: Die Säule stützt das Dach. — The column supports the roof.
Figurative: Die Daten stützen seine Theorie. — The data support his theory.

The reflexive form sich stützen can mean to lean on something or to base oneself on something: Sie stützt sich auf einen Stock. — She leans on a cane.

Grammar & Word origin

Verb: stützen, stützte, hat gestützt
Usually takes a direct object. The reflexive form often uses auf with the accusative.
Related to die Stütze , meaning “support” or “prop.”

Synonyms & antonyms

unterstützen — “to support” in the sense of helping; generally not used for physically propping something up.
stabilisieren — “to stabilize”; emphasizes making something steady.
sich anlehnen — “to lean against”; focuses on resting against a surface.
schwächen — “to weaken”; an opposite in a figurative context.
widerlegen — “to disprove”; an opposite when referring to a claim or theory.