maintain

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To keep something in the same state; to continue or preserve it.

   It is important to maintain a healthy diet throughout your life.

2. 2
   verb

   To keep something in good condition by looking after it and repairing it.

   The company spends a lot of money to maintain its old machines.

3. 3
   verb

   To strongly state that something is true; to insist.

   He maintained his innocence even after the trial ended.

4. 4
   verb

   To provide money or support so that someone or something can continue to exist.

   His salary was barely enough to maintain his large family.

Common collocations

• maintain contact Verb + noun
• maintain control Verb + noun
• maintain health Verb + noun
• maintain a relationship Verb + noun

From Middle English mayntenen, from Old French maintenir, from Late Latin manūteneō, manūtenēre (“I support”), from Latin manū (“with/in/by the hand”, ablative of manus) + tenēre (“to hold”).

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