to keep something in good working order or in the same physical condition through regular care and repair
Every spring, Mia carefully maintains her bicycle so it rides smoothly all year.
The janitor maintains the building's heating system to prevent breakdowns.
✦ From Middle English mainteinen, from Old French maintenir, from Latin manutenēre “to hold in the hand, keep”, from manus “hand” + tenēre “to hold”.
to continue to have or keep at the same level, rate, or condition
The school strives to maintain high academic standards.
Athletes must maintain a healthy diet to perform well.
to state something strongly as a fact; to assert or claim
The scientist maintains that climate change is accelerating.
She firmly maintained her innocence throughout the trial.
to provide for the living expenses of someone; to support financially
He works two jobs to maintain his family.
The scholarship will help her maintain herself while studying abroad.
