Meaning of sustain in English
1. hold up the weight of; bear weight without breaking or falling
This old shelf cannot sustain the weight of all these books.
Will the breakwater sustain the shocks of big waves?
No one in the class will sustain comparison with her in mathematics.
2. keep active, existing etc. for a long period of time
There is not enough oxygen to sustain life.
He worked hard to sustain a large family.
3. supply with necessities such as food and money; support
The land has become so poor that it can't sustain the local population.