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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | sustenir, from Latin sustinere 'to hold up, sustain', from sub- 'up' + tenere 'to hold' |
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sus‧tain W3
[transitive]
[transitive]1 to make something continue to exist or happen for a period of time [= maintain]: 
She found it difficult to sustain the children's interest.He was incapable of sustaining close relationships with women. the policies necessary to sustain economic growth ➔ sustained
make something continue
She found it difficult to sustain the children's interest.He was incapable of sustaining close relationships with women.the policies necessary to sustain economic growth2 to suffer damage, an injury, or loss of money : Two of the fire-fighters sustained serious injuries. Some nearby buildings sustained minor damage. The company has sustained heavy financial losses this year.
suffer
formalTwo of the fire-fighters sustained serious injuries.Some nearby buildings sustained minor damage.The company has sustained heavy financial losses this year.3 if food or drink sustains a person, animal, or plant, it makes them able to continue living : They gave me barely enough food to sustain me.
food/drink
formalThey gave me barely enough food to sustain me.4 to make someone feel strong and hopeful : The thought of seeing her again was all that sustained me.
give strength
formalThe thought of seeing her again was all that sustained me.5 to hold up the weight of something [= support]: He leant against her so heavily that she could barely sustain his weight.
weight
formalHe leant against her so heavily that she could barely sustain his weight.6 to support an idea or argument, or prove that it is right : This argument is difficult to sustain.
idea
formalThis argument is difficult to sustain.