MAINTAIN

v. 1 continue, preserve, persevere in, keep going, persist in, keep (up), carry on, retain, perpetuate, prolong, sustain, uphold Sarah maintained friendly relations with her ex-husband Try to maintain your composure. 2 look after, take care of, care for, preserve, (keep in) service, keep up, keep in repair; nurture, support It is expensive to maintain a vintage car Allison maintains an ancient aunt in Piddlington. 3 hold, state, say, declare, claim, assert, allege, testify, contend, aver, avow, announce, proclaim, vouchsafe, profess, insist (on), affirm Despite evidence to the contrary, he maintains that he is innocent 4 defend, stand by, keep, fight for; take up the cudgels for, make a case for, advocate, champion, take or make a stand for, plead for, back (up), support, vindicate, justify, Colloq go to bat for He maintained his ground in the face of virulent attacks