sustain

Verb

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

• admit as valid
  • The court sustained the motion
    

• 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?
    

• 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
    

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

• 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
    

• 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
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  confirm , corroborate , substantiate , support , affirm , hold , hold up , keep , maintain , nourish , nurture , suffer , have , get , prolong , keep up
• Antonyms: 
  negate , contradict