<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>To keep in existence or continuance; preserve; retain: to maintain good relations with neighboring countries.</li><li>To keep in an appropriate condition, operation, or force; keep unimpaired: to maintain order; to maintain public highways.</li><li>To keep in a specified state, position, etc.: to maintain a correct posture; to maintain good health.</li><li>To affirm; assert; declare: He maintained that the country was going downhill.</li><li>To support in speech or argument, as a statement or proposition.</li><li>To keep or hold against attack: to maintain one's ground.</li><li>To provide for the upkeep or support of; carry the expenses of: to maintain a family.</li><li>To sustain or support: not enough water to maintain life.</li></ul>