sustain synonyms

sustain

v.

  1. To carry

    bear, support, bear on the shoulder, carry on the back, hold up, support the weight of, keep from falling, keep from sinking, convey, transport, transfer, put a shoulder under, pack*, tote*, lug*. *

    Antonyms abandon*, drop*, desert. *

  2. To nourish

    keep up, maintain, provide food for, give food to, maintain the health of, keep in health, nurture, supply food for, nurse; see also provide 1, support 2.

    Antonyms neglect*, injure*, starve. *

  3. To defend

    befriend, favor, stand by, support, comfort, side with*, back up*, stand up for*; see also defend 3,

    Antonyms oppose*, hinder*, forsake. See syn. study at support.support.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.