sustain
verb (used with object)
to support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of, as a structure.
had sustained
-
past perfectof sustain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A doctor on site treated the boys, who had sustained various cuts including to their feet, legs and arms.
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026
Many residents spent the night sleeping on the street, fearing more deadly aftershocks or because their homes had sustained damage.
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
A neurologist determined Shouhed had sustained a major brain trauma, according to Shouhed’s attorney.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026
Nonetheless, Saddam had sustained his team of some 3,000 nuclear scientists and technicians who could have re-created Iraq’s capability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026
For so long hope and the heat of battle had sustained Arjun and Thambi.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
