to keep in existence or continuance; preserve; retain

to maintain good relations with neighboring countries.

to keep in an appropriate condition, operation, or force; keep unimpaired

to maintain order; to maintain public highways.

to keep in a specified state, position, etc.

to maintain a correct posture; to maintain good health.

to affirm; assert; declare

He maintained that the country was going downhill.

to support in speech or argument, as a statement or proposition.

to keep or hold against attack

to maintain one's ground.

to provide for the upkeep or support of; carry the expenses of

to maintain a family.

to sustain or support

not enough water to maintain life.

verb

ignore , neglect , condemn , desert , discard , forget

verb

advance , carry on , conserve , continue , control , cultivate , finance , go on with , guard , keep , keep going , look after , manage , nurture , perpetuate , persevere , preserve , prolong , protect , provide , renew , repair , retain , save , supply , support , sustain , take care of , uphold , advocate , affirm , allege , asseverate , attest , aver , avow , back , champion , contend , correct , declare , defend , emphasize , fight for , hold , insist , justify , persist , plead for , profess , protest , rectify , report , right , say , stand by , state , stress , vindicate , stay with , keep up , provide for , apologize , argue , avouch , claim , assert , conduct , stand firm , warrant