with obj.
1
- strengthen or support physically or mentally（在体力或精神方面）支持, 支撑：
this thought had sustained him throughout the years
这个念头支撑他度过了这么多年
as adj. sustaining a sustaining breakfast of bacon and eggs.耐饿的火腿鸡蛋早餐。
1.1
- cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption保持; 使持续不断：
he cannot sustain a normal conversation
他不能持续进行正常的谈话
as adj. sustained several years of sustained economic growth.几年的经济持续增长。
1.2
- (of a performer) represent (a part or character) convincingly（演员）充分表演（角色, 人物）, 扮演：
he sustained the role of Creon with burly resilience.
他充满活力地扮演了克瑞翁这个角色。
1.3
- bear (the weight of an object) without breaking or falling支撑：
he sagged against her so that she could barely sustain his weight
他瘫倒在她的身上以至于她几乎不能支撑他的重量了
figurative 〈喻〉his health will no longer enable him to sustain the heavy burdens of office.
他的健康状况不能再支撑他从事繁重的办公室工作了。
2
- undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury)忍受; 经受（不愉快的事情, 尤指伤痛）：
he died after sustaining severe head injuries.
他头部受了重伤以后死了。
3
- uphold, affirm, or confirm the justice or validity of认可; 赞成; 确认：
the allegations of discrimination were sustained.
对歧视的指控被确认。
mass noun
- Music an effect or facility on a keyboard or electronic instrument whereby a note can be sustained after the key is released【乐】延音（键盘或电子乐器的一种效果或设备, 放开键后, 声音仍能延续）。
派生词
sustainedly
adverbsustainer
nounsustainment
noun词源
Middle English: from Old French soustenir, from Latin sustinere, from sub- 'from below' + tenere 'hold'.