/ səˈsteɪn; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to provide enough of what sb/sth needs in order to live or exist :
Which planets can sustain life?
The love and support of his family sustained him during his time in prison.
2.
to make sth continue for some time without becoming less
SYN maintain :
a period of sustained economic growth
a sustained attack
She managed to sustain everyone's interest until the end of her speech.
3.
( formal ) to experience sth bad
SYN suffer :
to sustain damage / an injury / a defeat
The company sustained losses of millions of dollars.
4.
to provide evidence to support an opinion, a theory, etc.
SYN uphold :
The evidence is not detailed enough to sustain his argument.
5.
( formal ) to support a weight without breaking or falling
SYN bear :
The ice will not sustain your weight.
6.
( law ) to decide that a claim, etc. is valid
SYN uphold :
The court sustained his claim that the contract was illegal.
Objection sustained ! (= said by a judge when a lawyer makes an objection in court)
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French soustenir , from Latin sustinere , from sub- from below + tenere hold.