Sustain

Quick meaning: Sustain is a verb meaning (transitive) To maintain, or keep in existence.

Meaning

(transitive) To maintain, or keep in existence.

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To provide for or nourish.
2. (transitive) To encourage or sanction (something).
3. (transitive) To experience or suffer (an injury, etc.).
4. (transitive) To confirm, prove, or corroborate; to uphold.
5. (law, of a judge) To allow, accept, or admit (e.g. an objection or motion) as valid.
6. To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support.
7. To aid, comfort, or relieve; to vindicate.

Example Sentences

provisions to sustain an army

The city came under sustained attack by enemy forces.

The building sustained major damage in the earthquake.

Sam managed to sustain his erection for two straight hours.

Word Forms

• sustains
• sustaining
• sustained

Synonyms for sustain

Depending on context, synonyms include hold, affirm, support, corroborate, substantiate, have.

Antonyms for sustain

Common opposites include overrule, negate, contradict.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include support, maintain, keep, get, hold up, prolong.

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