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maintain

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Maintain is defined as to keep in a current state in order to prevent from failing or breaking or to carry on or to support or provide.

(verb)

An example of maintain is to bring one's car to a mechanic for regular oil changes.
An example of maintain is to keep soldiers on task.
An example of maintain is to care for a family and household.

See maintain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to keep or keep up; continue in or with; carry on
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
to keep or hold (a place, position, etc.) against attack; defend
1. to uphold or defend, as by argument; affirm
2. to declare in a positive way; assert
to support by aid, influence, protection, etc.
to support by providing means of existence; bear the expenses of: to maintain a family

Origin: 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

Related Forms:

maintainable adjective
maintainer noun

See maintain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb main·tained, main·tain·ing, main·tains

To keep up or carry on; continue: maintain good relations.
To keep in an existing state; preserve or retain: maintain one's composure.
To keep in a condition of good repair or efficiency: maintain two cars.
a. To provide for; support: maintain a family.
b. To keep in existence; sustain: enough food to maintain life.
To defend or hold against criticism or attack: maintained his stand on taxes.
To declare to be true; affirm: maintained her innocence.
To adhere or conform to; keep: maintain a busy schedule.