sustain in WordNet English dictionary

1. establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
   "his story confirmed my doubts"; "The evidence supports the defendant"
   confirm  corroborate  sustain  substantiate  support  affirm 
   
2. 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"
   suffer  sustain  have  get 
   
3. 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?"
   hold  support  sustain  hold up 
   
4. 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"
   sustain  keep  maintain 
   
5. 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"
   prolong  sustain  keep up 
   
6. provide with nourishment
   "We sustained ourselves on bread and water"; "This kind of food is not nourishing for young children"
   nourish  nurture  sustain 
   
7. admit as valid
   "The court sustained the motion"
   sustain