sustains; sustained; sustaining
1
: to provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, continue, etc.
There is not enough oxygen to sustain [=support] life at very high altitudes.
Hope sustained us during that difficult time.
The movie sustained our interest [=kept us interested] from beginning to end.
The country is enjoying a period of sustained [=continuing] economic growth.
a sustained discussion/effort
2
formal
: to hold up the weight of (something)
The roof, unable to sustain the weight of all the snow, collapsed.
3
formal
: to deal with or experience (something bad or unpleasant) : suffer
The army sustained heavy losses.
He sustained serious injuries in the accident.
4
law
: to decide or state that (something) is proper, legal, or fair
The judge sustained the motion.
The lawyer's objection was sustained.
5
formal
: to show that (something) is true or correct : to confirm or prove (something)
The report sustains their story/claims.
The evidence does not sustain a guilty verdict.
Cite this Entry
“Sustain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sustain. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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