Sustain Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of SUSTAIN

[+ object]

1

:

to provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, continue, etc.

• There is not enough oxygen to sustain [=_support_] life at very high altitudes.
• Hope sustained us during that difficult time.
• The movie sustained our interest [=kept us interested] from beginning to end.
• The country is enjoying a period of sustained [=_continuing_] economic growth.
• a sustained discussion/effort

2

formal

:

to hold up the weight of (something)

• The roof, unable to sustain the weight of all the snow, collapsed.

3

formal

:

to deal with or experience (something bad or unpleasant)

:

suffer

• The army sustained heavy losses.
• He sustained serious injuries in the accident.

4

law

:

to decide or state that (something) is proper, legal, or fair

• The judge sustained the motion.
• The lawyer's objection was sustained.

5

formal

:

to show that (something) is true or correct

:

to confirm or prove (something)

• The report sustains their story/claims.
• The evidence does not sustain a guilty verdict.