Definition
伸张 (shēnzhāng) is a formal verb used almost exclusively with abstract nouns like 正义 (justice) or 正气 (righteousness) — it means to 'uphold' or 'promote' a moral principle. It differs from 维护 (wéihù), which is broader and can also mean 'maintain' (equipment, relationships); and from 捍卫 (hànwèi), which implies active defense or protection against threats.
verb
to upholdto promote (justice, righteousness, etc.)
Examples
- 伸张。Tā yì shēng dōu zài wèi shòuhài zhě shēn zhāng zhèngyì.He spent his whole life upholding justice for the victims.
- 伸张。Quán shèhuì dōu yīnggāi nǔlì shēn zhāng zhèngqì.The whole society should work to promote righteousness.
- 伸张。Fǎlǜ de zhǔyào zhízé shì shēn zhāng gōngzhèng.The main duty of the law is to uphold fairness.
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