sustain

To maintain or keep something going over a period of time.

• The small company could not sustain such rapid growth without hiring more staff.

• Can this ecosystem sustain heavy tourist traffic year after year?

To provide the food, water, or necessities that keep someone or something alive.

• A few sips of water and some crackers sustained the hikers until help arrived.

• How long can these sparse resources sustain the local wildlife?

To experience or undergo damage, an injury, or a loss.

• The cyclist sustained serious fractures when she fell off the road.

• Did the coastal towns sustain severe flood damage during the hurricane?

To uphold or confirm the validity of a legal objection or decision.

• The judge sustained the defense attorney's objection to the speculative testimony.

• Was the prosecutor's motion sustained by the appellate court?