Sustain

sustain
verb1lengthen or extend in duration or space; "We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible"; "prolong the treatment of the patient"; "keep up the good work"[syn: prolong]2undergo (as of injuries and illnesses); "She suffered a fracture in the accident"; "He had an insulin shock after eating three candy bars"; "She got a bruise on her leg"; "He got his arm broken in the scuffle"[syn: suffer]3provide with nourishment; "We sustained ourselves on bread and water"; "This kind of food is not nourishing for young children"[syn: nourish]4supply with necessities and support; "She alone sustained her family"; "The money will sustain our good cause"; "There's little to earn and many to keep"5be the physical support of; carry the weight of; "The beam holds up the roof"; "He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam"; "What's holding that mirror?"[syn: hold]6admit as valid; "The court sustained the motion"7establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts; "his story confirmed my doubts"; "The evidence supports the defendant"[syn: confirm][ant: contradict]