Word Frequency
maintain
(meɪnˈteɪn)
verb (transitive)
1.
to continue or retain; keep in existence
2.
to keep in proper or good condition
to maintain a building
3.
to support a style of living
the money maintained us for a month
4. (takes a clause as object)
to state or assert
he maintained that Talbot was wrong
5.
to defend against contradiction; uphold
she maintained her innocence
6.
to defend against physical attack
Derived forms
maintainable (mainˈtainable) adjective
maintainer (mainˈtainer)
noun
Word origin
C13: from Old French maintenir, ultimately from Latin manū tenēre to hold in the hand