1. (verb)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. (verb)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. (verb)nourish, nurture, sustain provide with nourishment "We sustained ourselves on bread and water"; "This kind of food is not nourishing for young children"
4. (verb)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. (verb)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. (verb)sustain admit as valid "The court sustained the motion"
7. (verb)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"
Definitions of 'sustain'
Webster 1913 Dictionary
1. (noun)sustain one who, or that which, upholds or sustains; a sustainer
2. (verb)sustain to keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support; as, a foundation sustains the superstructure; a beast sustains a load; a rope sustains a weight
3. (verb)sustain hence, to keep from sinking, as in despondence, or the like; to support
4. (verb)sustain to maintain; to keep alive; to support; to subsist; to nourish; as, provisions to sustain an army
5. (verb)sustain to aid, comfort, or relieve; to vindicate
8. (verb)sustain to allow the prosecution of; to admit as valid; to sanction; to continue; not to dismiss or abate; as, the court sustained the action or suit
9. (verb)sustain to prove; to establish by evidence; to corroborate or confirm; to be conclusive of; as, to sustain a charge, an accusation, or a proposition
Definition of sustain 
