महाभारत - कर्णपर्व - धर्म

धारणाद्धर्म इत्याहुर्धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः ।
यत् स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥

- महाभारत, कर्णपर्व

This verse explains the etymology of the word "Dharma" in sanskrit. Dharma can be analyzed as 'some that supports'. Dharma clearly is the strength that supports the society and citizens. Anything that gives such honest strength can be thus called 'Dharma'.

- Mahabharatha, Karnaparva