main·tain (m n-tn )tr.v. main·tained, main·tain·ing, main·tains 1. To keep up or carry on; continue: maintain good relations. 2. To keep in an existing state; preserve or retain: maintain one's composure. 3. To keep in a condition of good repair or efficiency: maintain two cars. 4. a. To provide for; support: maintain a family. b. To keep in existence; sustain: enough food to maintain life. 5. To defend or hold against criticism or attack: maintained his stand on taxes. 6. To declare to be true; affirm: maintained her innocence. 7. To adhere or conform to; keep: maintain a busy schedule. [Middle English maintainen, from Old French maintenir, from Medieval Latin manuten  re, from Latin man tenre, to hold in the hand : man, ablative of manus, hand; see man-2 in Indo-European roots + tenre, to hold; see ten- in Indo-European roots.]main·tain  a·bili·ty n.main·tain a·ble adj.main·tain er n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  maintainer - someone who upholds or maintains; "firm upholders of tradition"; "they are sustainers of the idea of democracy" |
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