sustain

To keep something going or at the same level for a period of time.

• We must sustain this effort.
• The team sustained its lead throughout the match.
• Can the economy sustain such rapid growth?

Similar words: maintain, keep up

Common phrases: sustain growth, sustain interest, sustain an effort

To give someone or something the food, supplies, or support needed to live or continue.

• These crops sustain the village.
• A little bread sustained them for two days.
• Her hope of seeing her children sustained her through the winter.

Similar words: support, nourish

Common phrases: sustain life, sustain a family, sustain someone

To suffer an injury, damage, or a loss.

• She sustained a minor injury.
• The roof sustained serious damage during the storm.
• Several businesses sustained heavy losses last year.

Similar words: suffer, incur

Common phrases: sustain an injury, sustain damage, sustain a loss

To show that a claim is true, or officially accept it as valid.

• The judge sustained the objection.
• The evidence did not sustain the accusation.
• The appeal court sustained the earlier decision.

Similar words: uphold, support, confirm

Opposites: reject, overrule

Common phrases: sustain an objection, sustain a claim, sustain a charge

To hold something up or carry its weight.

• The beams sustain the roof.
• This rope can sustain a heavy load.
• The foundation sustained the weight of the entire building.

Similar words: support, bear, hold up

Common phrases: sustain a load, sustain weight, sustain a structure