sustain Definition
- 1strengthen or support physically or mentally
- 2undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury)
- 3cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption
Using sustain: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sustain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He sustained a serious injury in the accident.
Example
The company is struggling to sustain its profits.
Example
She found it hard to sustain her concentration.
Example
The building cannot sustain another earthquake.
Example
The team's performance was not enough to sustain their lead.
sustain Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using sustain
Example
The movie was able to sustain my interest until the end.
Example
The team needs to sustain the momentum if they want to win the championship.
Example
The company sustained a huge loss due to the pandemic.
Phrases with sustain
development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Example
The government has implemented policies to promote sustainable development.
Example
The audience gave the performer sustained applause after his performance.
Example
The doctor prescribed a sustained release medication for his patient.
Origins of sustain
from Old French 'sustenir', from Latin 'sustinere', from 'sub-' meaning 'from below' and 'tenere' meaning 'to hold'
Summary: sustain in Brief
To 'sustain' [səˈsteɪn] means to strengthen or support physically or mentally, undergo or suffer something unpleasant, or cause to continue or be prolonged. It can refer to anything from a physical injury to a business's profits. Phrases like 'sustainable development' and 'sustained applause' extend the term's usage, while idioms like 'sustain someone's interest' and 'sustain the momentum' denote keeping something going.
