maintain

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   state or assert

   They maintained their innocence.

2. 2
   verb

   To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).

   maintain contact

3. 3
   verb

   To declare or affirm (a clause) to be true; to assert.

   Pullman traditionalists will no doubt maintain that the full-service-at-every-seat principle is popular with their clientele; [...].

4. 4
   verb

   To keep in good condition and working order.

   The admirable smoothness of the riding also reflected the greatest credit on those who, despite the difficulties caused by the shortage of men and materials, have succeeded in maintaining the track in such first-class order.

5. 5
   verb

   To support (someone), to back up or assist (someone) in an action.

   And thenne he asked leue & wente oute of his heremytage for to mayntene his neuewe ageynst the myghty Erle and so hit happed that this man that lyeth here dede dyd so moche by his wysedome and hardynes that the Erle was take and thre of his lordes by force of this dede man.

6. 6
   verb

   To keep composed; to keep one's head up; to stay confident, strong, self-assured; to avoid being a victim; to keep oneself from falling apart.

   No matter what, you gotta maintain.

7. 7
   verb

   stick to correctly or closely

8. 8
   verb

   support against an opponent

Etymology

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”).