maintain
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
maintains;
maintained;
maintaining
maintains;
maintained;
maintaining
Britannica Dictionary definition of MAINTAIN
[+ object]
1
:
to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing
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They have always maintained high standards of professional conduct.
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He has found it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
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maintain a good reputation
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They barely had enough food to maintain life. [=to make it possible for life to exist or continue]
2
:
to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.
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The company has done a poor job of maintaining its computer network.
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It was obvious that the house had been poorly maintained.
3
:
to continue having or doing (something)
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She was finding it hard to maintain her balance.
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She still maintains a close relationship with her college roommate.
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It's difficult to maintain a correspondence when we're both so busy.
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The pilot was struggling to maintain control of the aircraft.
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The police say that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order.
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She continues to maintain her silence. [=she continues to say nothing]
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He was struggling to maintain his cool/composure. [=he was struggling not to become angry or upset]
4
:
to say that (something) is true
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He maintains that such decisions are best left to local authorities.
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He continues to maintain his innocence. = He continues to maintain that he is innocent.
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She maintains that my theory is flawed.
5
:
to provide support for (someone or something)
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He has a family to maintain.
