sustain

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb lengthen or extend in duration or space
  2. verb undergo (as of injuries and illnesses)
  3. verb provide with nourishment

Etymology

From Middle English susteinen, sustenen, from Old French sustenir (French soutenir), from Latin sustineō, sustinēre (“to uphold”), from sub- (“from below, up”) + teneō (“hold”, verb).

In classic literature

Synonyms

prolong, keep up

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