sustenance

sus·te·nance

noun \ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s\

Definition of SUSTENANCE

1

a : means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living b : food, provisions; also : nourishment

2

a : the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained b : a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life

3

: something that gives support, endurance, or strength

Examples of SUSTENANCE

1. Tree bark provides deer with sustenance in periods of drought.
2. The village depends on the sea for sustenance.
3. She draws spiritual sustenance from daily church attendance.

Origin of SUSTENANCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sustenir

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SUSTENANCE

Synonyms: aliment, food, nourishment, pabulum

Related Words: refection

Near Antonyms: candy, fluff, pablum, pap, trash

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