1. Lengthen or extend in duration or space
   "We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible";
   - prolong, keep up
    
2. Supply with necessities and support
   "She alone sustained her family"; "The money will sustain our good cause";
   - keep, maintain
    
3. Be the physical support of; carry the weight of
   "The pillars sustained the roof";
   - hold, support, hold up
    
4. Provide with nourishment
   "We sustained ourselves on bread and water";
   - nourish, nurture
    
5. Undergo (as of injuries and illnesses)
   "She sustained a fracture in the accident";
   - suffer, have, get
    
6. Admit as valid
   "The court sustained the motion"
    
7. Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
   "his story sustained my doubts";
   - confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, affirm

1. (music) a device, pedal, or electronic effect that prolongs a musical note or sound
   "The guitarist used the sustain pedal for a longer-lasting tone";
   - sustainer

Derived forms: sustains, sustained, sustaining

Type of: acknowledge, act, admit, bear on, carry on, cater, continue, experience, get, have, have got, hold, move, preserve, provide, put up, receive, supply, uphold

Encyclopedia: Sustain