maintain

[[t]meɪnte͟ɪn[/t]]

♦♦

maintains, maintaining, maintained

1) 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:

preserve

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:

claim

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:

keep

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:

look after

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