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sustain

/səˈsteɪn/ verb

In Latin: sustineō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about sustain at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. Lengthen or extend in duration or space.
    We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible
  2. Undergo (as of injuries and illnesses).
    She suffered a fracture in the accident
  3. Provide with nourishment.
    We sustained ourselves on bread and water

Origin

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).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)