Definition of: sustain

(sə·stān′) v.t.
1. To keep from sinking or falling, especially by bearing up from below; uphold; support.
2. To endure without yielding; withstand.
3. To have inflicted on one; undergo; suffer, as loss or injury.
4. To keep up the courage, resolution, or spirits of; comfort.
5. To keep up or maintain; keep in effect or being: to sustain friendly relations.
6. To maintain by providing with food, drink, or other necessities; support.
7. To uphold or support as being true or just.
8. To prove the truth or correctness of; corroborate; confirm. See synonyms under AID, ASSENT, CARRY, CONFIRM, ENDURE, HELP, KEEP, PRESERVE, PROP, SUPPORT. [<OF sustein-, stem of sustenir, sostenir <L sustinere <sub- up from under + tenere hold]
—sus·tain′a·ble adjective
—sus·tain′·er noun
—sus·tain′ment noun