1. (

• prolong ,
• sustain ,
• keep_up

) lengthen 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" ;

2. (

• suffer ,
• sustain ,
• have ,
• get ,

) undergo (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" ;

3. (

• nourish ,
• nurture ,
• sustain ,

) provide with nourishment; "We sustained ourselves on bread and water"; "This kind of food is not nourishing for young children" ;

4. (

• sustain ,
• keep ,
• maintain

) supply 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" ;

5. (

• hold ,
• support ,
• sustain ,
• hold_up

) be 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?" ;

6. (

• sustain

) admit as valid; "The court sustained the motion" ;

7. (

• confirm ,
• corroborate ,
• sustain ,
• substantiate ,
• support ,
• affirm

) establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts; "his story confirmed my doubts"; "The evidence supports the defendant" ;