tr.v., -tained, -tain·ing, -tains.
- To keep up or carry on; continue: maintain good relations.
- To keep in an existing state; preserve or retain: maintain one's composure.
- To keep in a condition of good repair or efficiency: maintain two cars.
- To provide for; support: maintain a family.
- To keep in existence; sustain: enough food to maintain life.
- To defend or hold against criticism or attack: maintained his stand on taxes.
- To declare to be true; affirm: maintained her innocence.
- To adhere or conform to; keep: maintain a busy schedule.
[Middle English maintainen, from Old French maintenir, from Medieval Latin manutenēre, from Latin manū tenēre, to hold in the hand : manū, ablative of manus, hand + tenēre, to hold.]
maintainability main·tain'a·bil'i·ty n.maintainable main·tain'a·ble adj.
maintainer main·tain'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
