- sustain
- sus|tainW3 [səˈsteın] v [T]▬▬▬▬▬▬▬1¦(make something continue)¦2¦(suffer)¦3¦(food/drink)¦4¦(give strength)¦5¦(weight)¦6¦(idea)¦▬▬▬▬▬▬▬[Date: 1200-1300; : Old French; Origin: sustenir, from Latin sustinere 'to hold up, sustain', from sub- 'up' + tenere 'to hold']1.) ¦(MAKE SOMETHING CONTINUE)¦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 growth2.) ¦(SUFFER)¦formal 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.3.) ¦(FOOD/DRINK)¦formal 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.4.) ¦(GIVE STRENGTH)¦formal to make someone feel strong and hopeful▪ The thought of seeing her again was all that sustained me.5.) ¦(WEIGHT)¦formal to hold up the weight of something= ↑support▪ He leant against her so heavily that she could barely sustain his weight.6.) ¦(IDEA)¦formal to support an idea or argument, or prove that it is right▪ This argument is difficult to sustain.
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.