Main Entry: main·tain

Pronunciation: \mān-ˈtān, mən-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English mainteinen, from Anglo-French maintenir, maynteiner, from Medieval Latin manutenēre, from Latin manu tenēre 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 <maintained that the earth is flat>

— main·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— main·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ 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>.