(maintains, maintaining, maintained)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If you maintain something, you continue to have it, and do not let it stop or grow weaker.
The Department maintains many close contacts with the chemical industry...
VERB: V n
2.
If you say that someone maintains that something is true, you mean that they have stated their opinion strongly but not everyone agrees with them or believes them.
He has maintained that the money was donated for international purposes...
'Not all feminism has to be like this,' Jo maintains...
He had always maintained his innocence.
= claim
VERB: V that, V with quote, V n
3.
If you maintain something at a particular rate or level, you keep it at that rate or level.
The government was right to maintain interest rates at a high level.
VERB: V n at n
4.
If you maintain a road, building, vehicle, or machine, you keep it in good condition by regularly checking it and repairing it when necessary.
The house costs a fortune to maintain...
The cars are getting older and less well-maintained.
= look after
VERB: V n, V-ed
5.
If you maintain someone, you provide them with money and other things that they need.
...the basic costs of maintaining a child.
= provide for, support
VERB: V n