sustain

Definitions

sus- (a form of sub-, 'from below') + tain (hold) = to hold up from underneath. Picture a hand under a sagging beam: that bearing-from-below gives 'keep something going' (sustain life, sustain growth) and 'provide support/food' (sustained by hope). The 'suffer an injury' sense is the odd member — there you don't hold the blow up, you bear/undergo it.

Why It Means This

Sustain's three senses all branch from 'holding up from below,' except for one twist. 'Keep going' and 'nourish' follow directly: you hold something up so it doesn't collapse or starve. But 'sustain an injury / sustain losses' moves the other way — here the subject is the one bearing the weight of the blow, undergoing it rather than supporting it. Same root image of 'bearing,' opposite direction of force.

Common Collocations

• 1.sustain growth维持增长
• 2.sustain life维持生命
• 3.sustain momentum保持势头
• 4.sustain injuries遭受伤害
• 5.sustain damage遭受损害

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The economy cannot sustain such rapid growth forever.

• 2.

  A small amount of water can sustain life for days.

• 3.

  Two passengers sustained minor injuries in the crash.