"sustains" in the verb sense

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"

Source: WordNet® (An amazing lexical database of English)

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