sustain

The word “sustain” means to keep something going or in existence over time. In plain terms, to keep something going, to suffer an injury, or to support and nourish someone.

“Sustain” is pronounced suh-STAYN (/səˈsteɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “sustain” used in a sentence: “The engine can't sustain that speed for long.”

“Sustain” is a verb.

The word “sustain” comes from Latin. From Old French sustenir, from Latin sustineo, "to uphold" — from sub- ("from below") plus teneo ("to hold").

“Sustain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Sustain” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to keep something going or in existence over time.

Both mean to keep something going, but sustain emphasizes supporting something over time so it does not fail or weaken, as in sustaining life or energy. Maintain emphasizes keeping something in its existing condition or working order, as in maintaining a car.

One meaning of sustain is to suffer or experience something harmful, so "sustained an injury" is a formal way of saying someone was hurt. This use is especially common in news reports and medical writing.

Sustain can mean to suffer or experience harm and usually takes that harm as its object, as in to sustain a loss. Endure means to bear or put up with hardship, focusing on a person's ability to withstand it rather than on receiving the blow.

In the sense of providing for someone, sustain and support overlap, since sustain can mean to keep a person going with food or strength. Support is broader and includes emotional and financial help, while sustain stresses keeping someone or something alive or active.