Definition of "sustaining" in English

verb

1. present participle and gerund of sustain

noun

1. The process by which something is sustained or upheld.

adjective

1. That sustains, supports or provides sustenance.

   • 1771, Elizabeth Griffith, The History of Lady Barton, London: T. Davies & T. Cadell, Volume 2, Letter 31, p. 21, I turned quick to look for him, and saw him coming towards me, with another gentleman—But I saw no more, my senses forsook me; in spite of Maria’s sustaining arm, I fell motionless on the ground.