maintain -
v.tr. 1 cause to continue; keep
up, preserve (a state of affairs, an activity, etc.) (
maintained friendly relations).
2 (often foll. by in; often refl.) support (life, a condition, etc.) by work, nourishment,
expenditure, etc. (
maintained him in comfort;
maintained themselves by fishing).
3 (often foll.
by that + clause) assert (an opinion, statement, etc.) as true (
maintained that she was the best; his story was true, he
maintained).
4 preserve or provide for the preservation of (a building, machine, road, etc.) in good repair.
5 give
aid to (a cause, party, etc.).
6 provide
means for (a garrison etc. to be equipped).
maintained school Brit. a school supported from public funds.
maintainable adj. maintainability n. [ME f. OF maintenir ult. f. L manu tenere hold in the hand]
