1To support or prop up something physically or mentally; to sustain, hold up, or back someone/something up.
大きな柱が屋根をしっかり支えている。
Huge pillars firmly support the roof.
家族が彼の生活を支えている。
His family supports his life financially and emotionally.
この基金は若い研究者の活動を支えることを目的としている。
This fund aims to support young researchers' activities.
彼女の一言が、落ち込んでいた私を支えてくれた。
Her one remark supported me when I was feeling down.
2A literary, somewhat dated sense meaning to hold back or check an advancing force (e.g. an enemy or a flood) — rarely used in everyday conversation.
防波堤が高潮を支えて町を守った。
The seawall held back the storm surge and protected the town.
城兵は最後まで敵の猛攻を支えた。
The castle's defenders held the enemy's fierce assault at bay to the very end.