sustain

v 1: lengthen or extend in duration or space [syn: {prolong}, {keep

up}]

2: 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}, {have}, {get}]

3: provide with nourishment; "We sustained ourselves on bread

and water" [syn: {nourish}, {nurture}]

4: supply with sustenance [syn: {keep}, {maintain}]

5: be the support of; "The beam holds up the roof"; "He

supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam";

"What's holding that mirror?"; also metaphorically: "Her

efforts support us morally" [syn: {hold}, {support}, {hold

up}]

6: admit as valid; "The court sustained the motion"

7: strengthen or make more firm as by corroboration; "his story

confirmed my doubts" [syn: {confirm}, {corroborate}, {substantiate},

{support}, {affirm}] [ant: {negate}]