apoiar

Senses

1. 1.

   to support

   to hold up physically or bear the weight of something

2. 2.

   to support, to back

   to give assistance, encouragement, or approval to someone or something

3. 3.

   to rest, to lean

   to place something against a surface for support

Examples

• "Vou apoiar sua candidatura para presidente do clube."

  I'm going to support your candidacy for club president.

• "Apoie a escada na parede com cuidado."

  Lean the ladder against the wall carefully.

• "Ela apoiou a cabeça no meu ombro durante o filme."

  She rested her head on my shoulder during the movie.

Usage

Very common verb in both physical and abstract contexts. Often used with "em" (apoiar em = to lean on/against). Common collocations include "apoiar uma causa" (support a cause), "apoiar-se em" (to lean on, rely on). The reflexive form "apoiar-se" emphasizes self-support or reliance.