SUSTAIN

v. 1 uphold, support, keep up, maintain, continue, keep (someone or something) going, keep alive, preserve; prolong, persist in He has been sustained on a life-support system for weeks If Georgette can sustain the pretence of loving him, he won't change his will. 2 support, carry, bear, bolster, buoy (up), reinforce, keep (someone) going, strengthen, shore up, underpin, prop up, buttress During those long months as a hostage, only prayer sustained him 3 endure, stand, withstand, bear up under, put up with, suffer, undergo, experience, tolerate, weather, brave It is amazing how much punishment the human body can sustain 4 bear, carry, support This column is supposed to sustain the weight of half the building 5 uphold, recognize, allow, admit, approve, ratify, sanction, authorize, endorse, validate The judge sustained the objection by the defence