Definition of MAINTAIN

maintain

Verb

Verb Forms: maintained, maintaining, maintains

  • To keep something in proper condition; to affirm.
  • keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
  • keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction
  • supply with necessities and support
  • state categorically
  • have and exercise
  • maintain for use and service
  • maintain by writing regular records
    • "maintain a record"
  • state or assert
    • "He maintained his innocence"
  • support against an opponent
  • stick to correctly or closely
  • To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).
  • To declare or affirm (a clause) to be true; to assert.
  • To keep in good condition and working order.
  • To support (someone), to back up or assist (someone) in an action.

Examples

  • I maintain that ’QAT’ is a perfectly valid word, despite its obscure nature.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English mayntenen, from Old French maintenir, from Late Latin manūteneō, manūtenēre (“I support”), from Latin manū (“with/in/by the hand”, ablative of manus) + tenēre (“to hold”).

Antonyms

abandon

Scrabble Score: 10

maintain: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
maintain: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
maintain: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

maintain: valid Words With Friends Word