maintain

play

verb main·tain \mān-ˈtān, mən-\

Definition of maintain

transitive verb
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
4a : to support or provide for has a family to maintainb : sustain enough food to maintain life
5 : to affirm in or as if in argument : assert maintained that the earth is flat

maintainability

play \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

maintainable

play \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective

maintainer

noun

See maintain defined for English-language learners

See maintain defined for kids

Examples of maintain in a Sentence

They have always maintained high standards of professional conduct.
He has found it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
The company has done a poor job of maintaining its computer network.
It was obvious that the house had been poorly maintained.
She was finding it hard to maintain her balance.
She still maintains a close relationship with her college roommate.
It's difficult to maintain a correspondence when we're both so busy.
The pilot was struggling to maintain control of the aircraft.
The police say that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order.

Recent Examples of maintain from the Web

Iraqi soldiers maintaining a siege prevent aid workers from getting food to those inside.

— The Economist, "Islamic State nears its end", 5 July 2017
In 2014, the canal system brought in $1.5 million in tolls and permits—but took $55 million to operate and maintain, reports NPR.

— lorraine boissoneault, Smithsonian, "Thank the Erie Canal For Spreading People, Ideas and Germs Across America", 3 July 2017
You’ll be stuck basing your marriage on an asset that no human in the world can possibly maintain.

— jennifer wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Stop Telling Women They Need to "Marry Up"", 3 July 2017
But therapists must maintain boundaries or put their jobs at risk.

— audrey dutton, idahostatesman, "Idaho massage pros get into trouble when boundaries aren’t clear", 1 July 2017
Holmes, whose grandfather was a farmer, has maintained a plot in People's Garden every summer since 2015.

— bailey loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "Can food help reconnect a racially divided Louisville?", 27 June 2017
Try rubbing them gently with one hand while the other maintains a stroke.

— gigi engle, Teen Vogue, "How to Masturbate If You Have a Penis", 27 June 2017
During the 1980s, U.S. Air Force maintained the top secret 4477th Test & Evaluation Squadron.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "How Did a 30-Year-Old Jet Dodge the Pentagon's Latest Missile?", 26 June 2017
The ultra-Orthodox religious establishment sees itself as responsible for maintaining traditions through centuries of persecution and assimilation.

— aron heller, Jewish Journal, "Jewish groups cancel meetings with Netanyahu in protest", 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'maintain'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of maintain

Middle English mainteinen, from Anglo-French maintenir, maynteiner, from Medieval Latin manutenēre, from Latin manu tenēre to hold in the hand

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of maintain

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

MAINTAIN Defined for English Language Learners

maintain

play

verb

Definition of maintain for English Language Learners

: to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing
: to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.
: to continue having or doing (something)

MAINTAIN Defined for Kids

maintain

play

verb main·tain \mān-ˈtān\

Definition of maintain for Students

maintained

;

maintaining

1 : to carry on : continue After many years they still maintain a correspondence.
2 : to keep in a particular or desired state Eat properly to maintain good health.
3 : to insist to be true She maintains her innocence.
4 : to provide for : support I maintained my family by working two jobs.