sustain

 
Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪn/

verb

[with object]
  • 1strengthen or support physically or mentally: this thought had sustained him throughout the years (as adjective sustaining) a sustaining breakfast of bacon and eggs
  • bear (the weight of an object) without breaking or falling: he sagged against her so that she could barely sustain his weight figurative his health will no longer enable him to sustain the heavy burdens of office
  • 2undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury): he sustained severe head injuries
  • 3cause to continue for an extended period or without interruption: he cannot sustain a normal conversation
  • (of a performer) represent (a part or character) convincingly: he sustained the role of Creon with burly resilience
  • 4uphold, affirm, or confirm the justice or validity of: the allegations of discrimination were sustained

noun

[mass noun] Music
  • an effect or facility on a keyboard or electronic instrument whereby a note can be sustained after the key is released.

Derivatives

sustainer

noun

sustainment

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French soustenir, from Latin sustinere, from sub- 'from below' + tenere 'hold'