Feed small bears (8)
I believe the answer is:
sustains
'bears' is the definition.
(both can mean endures)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sustains that I've seen before include "Supports, keeps alive" , "Provides with nourishment" , "keeps going" , "Supports physically or mentally" , "It's Susan (anag.)" .)