Sustain

Definition

Sustain typically refers to the act of supporting, holding, or bearing up from below, maintaining, enduring, or suffering.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪn/
• Respelling: suh-STAYN (with "suh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," and "STAYN" as in "stain")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪn/
• Respelling: suh-STAYN (similar to American English, with "suh" as in "supply," and "STAYN" like in "stain")

In both dialects, "sustain" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "STAYN." The word combines a schwa sound "suh" with "STAYN," consistent across both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "sustain" has its origins in Middle English, from Old French sustenir, from Latin sustinere ('hold up, support, endure'), from sub- ('up from below') + tenere ('to hold').

Derivatives

• Sustained (adjective)
• Sustainer (noun)
• Sustainment (noun)
• Sustainability (noun)
• Unsustained (adjective)

Synonyms

• Maintain
• Support
• Uphold

Antonyms

• Abandon
• Forfeit
• Neglect

Usage

"Sustain" is frequently used in various contexts including environmental, legal, and musical terms among others. It's often used to indicate the continuation or maintenance of certain actions, conditions, or systems over a long period of time.

Related Terms

• Preserve
• Retain
• Support
• Uphold

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Support; Bear: To support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of, as a structure.
• Example: The bridge could not sustain the weight of the heavy truck.

• Maintain; Keep Alive: To keep (a person, mind, the spirit, etc.) from giving way, as under trial or affliction.
• Example: They sustained their composure throughout the ordeal.

• Endure; Undergo: To undergo, experience, or suffer (injury, loss, etc.); endure without giving way or yielding.
• Example: She sustained minor injuries from the accident.

• Maintain Continuously: To maintain or keep going continuously, such as an action or process.
• Example: The country’s economy could sustain steady growth.