v.tr. 1 support, bear the weight of, esp. for a long period. 2 give strength to; encourage, support. 3 (of food) give nourishment to. 4 endure, stand; bear up against. 5 undergo or suffer (defeat or injury etc.). 6 (of a court etc.) uphold or decide in favour of (an objection etc.). 7 substantiate or corroborate (a statement or charge). 8 maintain or keep (a sound, effort, etc.) going continuously. 9 continue to represent (a part, character, etc.) adequately. sustainable adj. sustainedly adv. sustainer n. sustainment n.
[ ME f. AF sustein-, OF so(u)stein- stressed stem of so(u)stenir f. L sustinere sustent- (as SUB-, tenere hold) ]