崇尚 is a formal, written verb meaning 'to esteem highly' or 'to advocate (a principle, value, or practice)'. It combines 崇 (chóng), which means 'to revere' or 'to hold in high esteem', and 尚 (shàng), which originally meant 'to esteem' or 'to value highly' — together they intensify the sense of deep respect and active endorsement. Unlike casual verbs like 喜欢 (to like) or 爱 (to love), 崇尚 implies a conscious, often ideological or moral commitment to something considered noble, virtuous, or exemplary.

This word frequently appears in academic, political, journalistic, or cultural discourse — for instance, when discussing traditional virtues (e.g., 崇尚孝道), scientific values (e.g., 崇尚真理), or social ideals (e.g., 崇尚平等). It’s rarely used in everyday spoken Chinese with friends or family; instead, it conveys seriousness and principled conviction. The object of 崇尚 is typically an abstract noun (like justice, innovation, or harmony), not people — you wouldn’t say *崇尚老师*; you’d use 敬重 or 尊敬 for people.