26984 words

sustain

11 definitions • 19 examples
1
to cause or allow something to continue for a period of time:

Examples:

The economy looks set to sustain its growth into next year.
He seems to find it difficult to sustain relationships with women.
US The judge sustained (= accepted) the lawyer's objection.
2
to keep alive:

Examples:

The soil in this part of the world is not rich enough to sustain a large population.
4

Examples:

She was sustained by the strength of her religious faith.
The love of my family and friends sustained me through my ordeal.
5
the act or process of making a note sound for longer, or a note that is made longer in this way:

Examples:

The instrument has a tone all of its own, and a sustain that goes on for ever.
The keyboard can produce a range of effects such as sustain, glissando, echo, etc.
6
to keep something in operation; maintain:

Examples:

It is hard to see what will sustain them when they have no income.
7

Examples:

8
to support someone emotionally:

Examples:

Throughout the ordeal, he was sustained by the belief that he would get home.
9
to make or allow something to continue for a period of time:

Examples:

The board accepted that the growth rates could not be sustained indefinitely.
10

Examples:

11
to provide support for an idea, statement, legal argument, etc.:

Examples:

The data meant the government could not sustain its argument that lower duty on fuel would lead to lower spending on schools and hospitals.
Only in one case could the auditors find evidence to sustain a claim of criminal behaviour.

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