First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
maintain
verb main·tain \mān-ˈtān, mən-\
: to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing
: to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.
: to continue having or doing (something)
Full Definition of MAINTAIN
transitive verb
1
: to keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency, or validity) : preserve from failure or decline <maintain machinery>
2
: to sustain against opposition or danger : uphold and defend <maintain a position>
4
a : to support or provide for <has a family to maintain> b : sustain <enough food to maintain life>
5
: to affirm in or as if in argument : assert <maintained that the earth is flat>
— main·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— main·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective
— main·tain·er noun
See maintain defined for English-language learners
See maintain defined for kids
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Origin of MAINTAIN
Middle English mainteinen, from Anglo-French maintenir, maynteiner, from Medieval Latin manutenēre, from Latin manu tenēre to hold in the hand
Synonym Discussion of MAINTAIN
maintain, assert, defend, vindicate, justify mean to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable. maintain stresses firmness of conviction <steadfastly maintained his innocence>. assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim <asserted her rights>. defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism <defended his voting record>. vindicate implies successfully defending <his success vindicated our faith in him>. justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent <the action was used to justify military intervention>.
MAINTAIN Defined for Kids
maintain
verb main·tain \mān-ˈtān\
main·tainedmain·tain·ing
Definition of MAINTAIN for Kids
1
: to carry on : continue <After many years they still maintain a correspondence.>
2
: to keep in a particular or desired state <Eat properly to maintain good health.>
3
: to insist to be true <She maintains her innocence.>
4
: to provide for : support <I maintained my family by working two jobs.>
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