sus·tain 
/səˈsteɪn/ verb
sus·tains; sus·tained; sus·tain·ing /səˈsteɪn/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, continue, etc.
▪ There is not enough oxygen to sustain [=support] life at very high altitudes. ▪ Hope sustained us during that difficult time. ▪ The movie sustained our interest [=kept us interested] from beginning to end. ▪ The country is enjoying a period of sustained [=continuing] economic growth. ▪ a sustained discussion/effort 2 formal : to hold up the weight of (something)
▪ The roof, unable to sustain the weight of all the snow, collapsed. 3 formal : to deal with or experience (something bad or unpleasant) : suffer
▪ The army sustained heavy losses. ▪ He sustained serious injuries in the accident. 4 law : to decide or state that (something) is proper, legal, or fair
▪ The judge sustained the motion. ▪ The lawyer's objection was sustained. 5 formal : to show that (something) is true or correct : to confirm or prove (something)
▪ The report sustains their story/claims. ▪ The evidence does not sustain a guilty verdict.
▪ There is not enough oxygen to sustain [=support] life at very high altitudes. ▪ Hope sustained us during that difficult time. ▪ The movie sustained our interest [=kept us interested] from beginning to end. ▪ The country is enjoying a period of sustained [=continuing] economic growth. ▪ a sustained discussion/effort
▪ The roof, unable to sustain the weight of all the snow, collapsed.
▪ The army sustained heavy losses. ▪ He sustained serious injuries in the accident.
▪ The judge sustained the motion. ▪ The lawyer's objection was sustained.
▪ The report sustains their story/claims. ▪ The evidence does not sustain a guilty verdict.
