Sustain
/səˈsteɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo keep something going or continuing; to support or maintain.
/səˈsteɪn/
To support or maintain something.
The bridge was designed to sustain heavy loads.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a plant. To *sustain* it, you need to give it water and sunlight regularly. It's about keeping something alive or active over time, like a goal or a relationship!
👶 For kids: To keep something going, like keeping a toy working or keeping yourself healthy.
More Examples
The artist struggled to sustain her creative output.
We need to find ways to sustain the environment for future generations.
How It's Used
"The forest is sustained by regular rainfall and sunlight."
"The company struggled to sustain its profits during the economic downturn."
"She took supplements to sustain her energy levels."
To suffer or experience something unpleasant.
/səˈsteɪn/
To experience or undergo something.
The building sustained significant damage in the earthquake.
💡 Simply: If you *sustain* an injury, it means you got it and are dealing with it. Like, if you fall, you might sustain a bruise or a scratch, so you're now 'carrying' the mark.
👶 For kids: To get something bad like an injury or a boo-boo.
More Examples
He sustained a serious head injury in the accident.
The athlete sustained a career-ending knee injury.
How It's Used
"The hero sustained several injuries during the battle."
"The runner sustained a muscle strain."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sustain oneself
To provide for one's own needs, especially food and shelter.
"During the hike, the hikers needed to find berries to sustain themselves."
sustain a claim
To support or prove a claim to be true.
"The lawyer had to work hard to sustain the claim."
From Middle English susteynen, from Old French sustenir, from Latin sustinere ('to hold up, support').
The word 'sustain' has been used since the 14th century. It was first used to mean 'to support' or 'to keep going.'
Memory tip
Think of 'stain' as leaving a mark. Sustaining something is like continuously leaving your mark on it—keeping it going.
Word Origin
"to hold up, support"