Meaning & Definition of Maintain in English

1. Keep in a certain state, position, or activity

• E.g., "keep clean"

• "Hold in place"

• "She always held herself as a lady"

• "The students keep me on my toes"

2. Keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction

• "We preserve these archeological findings"

• "The old lady could not keep up the building"

• "Children must be taught to conserve our national heritage"

• "The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts"

3. Supply with necessities and support

• "She alone sustained her family"

• "The money will sustain our good cause"

• "There's little to earn and many to keep"

4. State categorically

5. Have and exercise

• "Wield power and authority"

6. Maintain for use and service

• "I keep a car in the countryside"

• "She keeps an apartment in paris for her shopping trips"

7. Maintain by writing regular records

• "Keep a diary"

• "Maintain a record"

• "Keep notes"

8. State or assert

• "He maintained his innocence"

9. Support against an opponent

• "The appellate court upheld the verdict"

10. Stick to correctly or closely

• "The pianist kept time with the metronome"

• "Keep count"

• "I cannot keep track of all my employees"