First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1sustain
transitive verb sus·tain \sə-ˈstān\
: to provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, continue, etc.
: to hold up the weight of (something)
: to deal with or experience (something bad or unpleasant)
Full Definition of SUSTAIN
1
: to give support or relief to
2
: to supply with sustenance : nourish
4
: to support the weight of : prop; also : to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)
5
: to buoy up <sustained by hope>
7
a : to support as true, legal, or just b : to allow or admit as valid <the court sustained the motion>
8
: to support by adequate proof : confirm <testimony that sustains our contention>
— sus·tained·ly \-ˈstā-nəd-lē, -ˈstānd-lē\ adverb
— sus·tain·er noun
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Origin of SUSTAIN
2sustain
noun
Definition of SUSTAIN
: a musical effect that prolongs a note's resonance <utilizing heavy sustain on his guitar — Bill Dahl>
First Known Use of SUSTAIN
1972
SUSTAIN Defined for Kids
sustain
verb sus·tain \sə-ˈstān\
sus·tainedsus·tain·ing
Definition of SUSTAIN for Kids
1
: to provide with what is needed <Food sustains life.>
2
: to keep up the spirits of <Hope sustained us.>
3
: to keep up : prolong <This author's books sustain my interest.>
4
: to hold up the weight of <The roof couldn't sustain the weight of the snow.>
5
: 2experience <The army sustained heavy losses.>
6
: to allow or uphold as true, legal, or fair <The judge sustained the motion to dismiss the case.>
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