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| main·tain [ màyn táyn ] (past and past participle main·tained, present participle main·tain·ing, 3rd person present singular main·tains) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb make something continue: to continue, or keep in existence, a situation, course of action, or condition without changing or impairing it
  They maintained production even with half the staff out sick.
The government maintained its confidence in the economy despite discouraging news from Wall Street.
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2. transitive verb keep something in working order: to ensure that something continues to work properly by checking it regularly and making repairs and adjustments if required
The machine will give years of service if maintained properly.
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3. transitive verb provide somebody with financial support: to provide somebody with the money required for a reasonable standard of living
She maintains a big family on a tight budget.
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4. transitive verb enable life to continue: to sustain life in a person or animal
nutrients essential to maintain life
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5. transitive verb declare something to be true: to insist on the truth of something in the face of challenge or disbelief
He maintains that she knew all along.
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6. transitive verb defend something against criticism: to defend an opinion, idea, or argument against criticism
The governor continues to maintain his position on cleaning up the environment.
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7. intransitive verb keep going: to continue in the present state or situation without losing control
(
informal
)
Until the reorganization is complete, we're maintaining, and that's about it.
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8. transitive verb military defend place: to continue to hold and defend a position when physically attacked
The unit maintained its position in spite of heavy enemy shelling.
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9. transitive verb comput update website or software: to ensure that a website, a piece of software, or something similar is kept up-to-date and in good order for the benefit of users
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| [13th century. < Old French maintener, literally "hold in the hand" < Latin manus "hand"] |
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