verb

sustain

to maintain, to support, to endure, to suffer

We need to sustain economic growth.

We need to sustain economic growth.

The pillars sustain the roof.

The pillars sustain the roof.

He sustained a serious injury.

He sustained a serious injury.

((sth.)) to maintain or support (sth.) We need to sustain economic growth.

Synonyms: maintain, support, uphold; Antonyms: abandon, neglect

From Latin 'sustinere', from 'sub-' (under) + 'tenere' (to hold). Literally 'to hold up from under'.

Think of 'sustaining' a note in music – holding it for a long time.

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