v.
Pronunciation: m ā n- ' t ā n, m ə n-
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English mainteinen, from Anglo-French maintenir, maynteiner, from Medieval Latin manuten ē re, from Latin manu ten ē re to hold in the hand
Date: 14th century
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>
3 : to continue or persevere in : CARRY ON , KEEP UP <couldn't maintain his composure>
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 < maintain ed that the earth is flat>
– main · tain · abil · i · ty \ - ˌ t ā -n ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– main · tain · able \ - ' t ā -n ə -b ə l \ adjective
– main · tain · er noun
synonyms 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>.