- maintain
- [[t]meɪnte͟ɪn[/t]]
♦♦maintains, maintaining, maintained1) VERB If you maintain something, you continue to have it, and do not let it stop or grow weaker.
[V n] The Department maintains many close contacts with the chemical industry...
[V n] Push yourself to make friends and to maintain the friendships.
[V n] ...the emergency powers to try to maintain law and order.
Syn:2) VERB If you say that someone maintains that something is true, you mean that they have stated their opinion strongly but not everyone agrees with them or believes them.[V that] He has maintained that the money was donated for international purposes...
[V that] Prosecutors maintain no deal was made...
[V with quote] `Not all feminism has to be like this,' Jo maintains...
[V n] He had always maintained his innocence.
Syn:3) VERB If you maintain something at a particular rate or level, you keep it at that rate or level.[V n at n] The government was right to maintain interest rates at a high level.
[V n at n] ...action is required to ensure standards are maintained at as high a level as possible.
Syn:4) VERB If you maintain a road, building, vehicle, or machine, you keep it in good condition by regularly checking it and repairing it when necessary.[V n] ...a tough campaign to force authorities to maintain roads properly...
[V n] The house costs a fortune to maintain...
[V-ed] The cars are getting older and less well-maintained.
Syn:5) VERB If you maintain someone, you provide them with money and other things that they need.[V n] He should pay and maintain you as well.
[V n] ...the basic costs of maintaining a child.
Syn:provide for, keep
English dictionary. 2008.