sustain
to keep up or support
Root
- ten / tain: hold or keep
Other words with the ten / tain root
- abstain: to hold back from doing or taking something
- contain: to hold inside
- content: satisfied; also something held inside
- contented: satisfied or at peace
- detain: to hold back
- discontent: dissatisfaction or unrest
- impertinent: rude or not properly relevant
- malcontent: dissatisfied person, often rebellious or resentful
Sustain is holding something up over time.
She sustained her focus through the final reading passage.
The support does not just lift once; it keeps holding.