(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If you ~ something, you continue to have it, and do not let it stop or grow weaker.
The Department ~s many close contacts with the chemical industry...
VERB: V n
2.
If you say that someone ~s that something is true, you mean that they have stated their opinion strongly but not everyone agrees with them or believes them.
He has ~ed that the money was donated for international purposes...
‘Not all feminism has to be like this,’ Jo ~s...
He had always ~ed his innocence.
= claim
VERB: V that, V with quote, V n
3.
If you ~ something at a particular rate or level, you keep it at that rate or level.
The government was right to ~ interest rates at a high level.
VERB: V n at n
4.
If you ~ a road, building, vehicle, or machine, you keep it in good condition by regularly checking it and repairing it when necessary.
The house costs a fortune to ~...
The cars are getting older and less well-~ed.
= look after
VERB: V n, V-ed
5.
If you ~ someone, you provide them with money and other things that they need.
...the basic costs of ~ing a child.
= provide for, support
VERB: V n