maintain meaning and definition

MAINTAIN verb

Definition of maintain (verb)

1. keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.
   • "keep clean"; "hold in place"; "She always held herself as a lady"; "The students keep me on my toes"
   • synonyms: hold, keep
2. keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction
   • "We preserve these archeological findings"; "The old lady could not keep up the building"; "children must be taught to conserve our national heritage"; "The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts"
   • synonyms: conserve, keep up, preserve
3. supply with necessities and support
   • "She alone sustained her family"; "The money will sustain our good cause"; "There's little to earn and many to keep"
   • synonyms: keep, sustain
4. state categorically
   • synonyms: assert, asseverate
5. have and exercise
   • "wield power and authority"
   • synonyms: exert, wield
6. maintain for use and service
   • "I keep a car in the countryside"; "She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips"
   • synonyms: keep
7. maintain by writing regular records
   • "keep a diary"; "maintain a record"; "keep notes"
   • synonyms: keep
8. state or assert
   • "He maintained his innocence"
   • synonyms: defend
9. support against an opponent
   • "The appellate court upheld the verdict"
   • synonyms: uphold
10. stick to correctly or closely
    • "The pianist kept time with the metronome"; "keep count"; "I cannot keep track of all my employees"
    • synonyms: keep, observe