Uphold or maintain (7)
I believe the answer is:
sustain
This clue is a double definition.
'uphold' is the first definition.
(I know that sustain is a kind of the uphold)
'maintain' is the second definition.
(I know that sustain is a kind of bear on)
(Other definitions for sustain that I've seen before include "Prolong, support" , "Give food to" , "Endure" , "Provide nourishment" , "Keep (something) going" .)