Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition sustain in American English

sustain verb

[transitive] verb
/səˈsteɪn/
1

to provide the conditions in which something can happen or exist

Example

Only two of the planets could sustain life.

Example

Analysts believe present economic growth can be sustained without inflation.

Synonyms and related words
bring about start off create
2

to give someone strength, energy, or hope

Example

Throughout the trial he was sustained by the support of his family.

Example

A cup of coffee isn't enough to sustain you until lunchtime.

Synonyms and related words
uplift hearten encourage
3

to support or prove an idea, statement, theory, etc.

Synonyms and related words
support back get behind
3.1

to agree that a decision, law, etc. is based on good legal principles

Synonyms and related words
affirm allow all rise
4

to experience loss, injury, damage, etc.

Example

One of the officers sustained minor injuries in the fire.

Example

Many farmers sustained crop damage during yesterday's hailstorm.

Synonyms and related words
run out of road suffer undergo
Definition sustain in American English