Definition Definition

sustain - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'sustain' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Sustain [ n.]
- One who, or that which, upholds or sustains; a sustainer.
2 . Sustain [ v. t.]
- To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support; as, a foundation sustains the superstructure; a beast sustains a load; a rope sustains a weight.
- Hence, to keep from sinking, as in despondence, or the like; to support.
- To maintain; to keep alive; to support; to subsist; to nourish; as, provisions to sustain an army.
- To aid, comfort, or relieve; to vindicate.
- To endure without failing or yielding; to bear up under; as, to sustain defeat and disappointment.
- To suffer; to bear; to undergo.
- To allow the prosecution of; to admit as valid; to sanction; to continue; not to dismiss or abate; as, the court sustained the action or suit.
- To prove; to establish by evidence; to corroborate or confirm; to be conclusive of; as, to sustain a charge, an accusation, or a proposition.

Meaning of 'sustain' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . sustain [ v]
Meaning (1):
- undergo (as of injuries and illnesses)
Example in sentence:
  • He got his arm broken in the scuffle;
  • He had an insulin shock after eating three candy bars;
  • She got a bruise on her leg;
  • She suffered a fracture in the accident
Meaning (2):
- be the physical support of; carry the weight of
Example in sentence:
  • He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam;
  • The beam holds up the roof;
  • What's holding that mirror?
Meaning (3):
- establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
Example in sentence:
  • his story confirmed my doubts;
  • The evidence supports the defendant
Meaning (4):
- lengthen or extend in duration or space
Example in sentence:
  • keep up the good work;
  • prolong the treatment of the patient;
  • We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible
Meaning (5):
- supply with necessities and support
Example in sentence:
  • She alone sustained her family;
  • The money will sustain our good cause;
  • There's little to earn and many to keep
Meaning (6):
- admit as valid
Example in sentence:
  • The court sustained the motion
Meaning (7):
- provide with nourishment
Example in sentence:
  • This kind of food is not nourishing for young children;
  • We sustained ourselves on bread and water