maintain

verb

1. 1

   stick to correctly or closely

   The pianist kept time with the metronome

   keep count

2. 2

   support against an opponent

   The appellate court upheld the verdict

3. 3

   state categorically

4. 4

   state or assert

   He maintained his innocence

5. 5

   maintain by writing regular records

   keep a diary

   maintain a record

6. 6

   supply with necessities and support

   She alone sustained her family

   The money will sustain our good cause

7. 7

   maintain for use and service

   I keep a car in the countryside

   She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips

8. 8

   have and exercise

   wield power and authority

9. 9

   keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction

   We preserve these archeological findings

   The old lady could not keep up the building

10. 10

    keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean"

    hold in place

    She always held herself as a lady