transitive verb

1. to keep or keep up; continue in or with; carry on
2. 1. to keep in existence or continuance food maintains life
   2. to keep in a certain condition or position, esp. of efficiency, good repair, etc.; preserve to maintain roads
3. to keep or hold (a place, position, etc.) against attack; defend
4. 1. to uphold or defend, as by argument; affirm
   2. to declare in a positive way; assert
5. to support by aid, influence, protection, etc.
6. to support by providing means of existence; bear the expenses of to maintain a family

Etymology: ME mainteinen < OFr maintenir < ML manutenere < L manu tenere, to hold in the hand < manu, abl. of manus, hand + tenere, to hold: see manual & tenant