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 manutenēre, from Latin manū tenēre, to hold in the hand : manū, ablative of manus, hand; see man-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + tenēre, to hold; see ten- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] main·tain′a·bili·ty n. main·taina·ble adj. main·tainer n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.