səsˈteɪn v.tr. 1
support, bear
the weight of,
esp.
for a long
period. 2
give strength to;
encourage, support. 3 (of food) give
nourishment to. 4
endure,
stand; bear up
against. 5
undergo or
suffer (defeat or
injury etc.). 6 (of a
court etc.)
uphold or
decide in
favour of (an
objection etc.). 7
substantiate or
corroborate (a
statement or charge). 8
maintain or
keep (a
sound,
effort, etc.)
going continuously. 9
continue to
represent (a
part,
character, etc.) adequately. øøsustainable adj. sustainedly adv. sustainer n. sustainment n. [ME f. AF sustein-, OF so(u)steinstressed stem of so(u)stenir f. L sustinere sustent(as
SUB-, tenere hold)]