The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SUSTAIN
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
U
S
T
A
I
N
More clues leading to the result SUSTAIN
- Confirm Mark is touring the States
- Keep up South American army at home
- Spot invaded by American bear
- America must cut pollution to keep up
- The objective for people in general is to stop pollution and keep alive
- Uphold university mark after end of appeals
- Support environmental conservation when ability’s there
- Bear from America digging into soil
- Soil surrounds us and gives support
- Shame to shackle American bear
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "keep alive" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case keep alive = sustain.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SUSTAIN mean?
SUSTAIN noun- A mechanism which can be used to hold a note, as the right pedal on a piano.
- To maintain, or keep in existence.
- To provide for or nourish.
- To encourage or sanction (something).
- To experience or suffer (an injury, etc.).
- To confirm, prove, or corroborate; to uphold.
- To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support.
- To aid, comfort, or relieve; to vindicate.