Definition of: maintain

(mān·tān′) v.t.
1. To carry on or continue; engage in, as a correspondence.
2. To keep unimpaired or in proper condition: to maintain roads; to maintain a reputation.
3. To supply with food or livelihood; support; pay for.
4. To uphold; claim to be true.
5. To assert or state; affirm,
6. hold or defend, as against attack. See synonyms under AFFIRM, ALLEGE, ASSERT, JUSTIFY, KEEP, PRESERVE, RETAIN, SUPPORT. [<OF maintenir <L manu tenere, lit., hold in one's hand <manu, ablative of manus hand + tenere hold]