meɪnˈteɪn v.tr. 1
cause to
continue;
keep up,
preserve (a
state of affairs, an
activity, etc.) (maintained
friendly relations). 2 (often foll. by
in;
often refl.)
support (life, a
condition, etc.) by
work,
nourishment,
expenditure, etc. (maintained
him in
comfort; maintained
themselves by fishing). 3 (often foll. by
that + clause)
assert (an
opinion,
statement, etc.) as
true (maintained that
she was the best;
his story was true, he maintained). 4 preserve or
provide for the
preservation of (a
building,
machine, road, etc.) in
good repair. 5
give aid to (a cause, party, etc.). 6 provide
means for (a
garrison etc. to be equipped). ømaintained school
Brit. a school supported
from public funds. øømaintainable adj. maintainability n. [ME f. OF maintenir ult. f. L manu tenere hold in the hand]