0 present participle of maintain
1 to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less:
2 to keep a road, machine, building, etc. in good condition:
3 to express firmly your belief that something is true:
Throughout his prison sentence, Dunn has always maintained his innocence.
[ + that ] He maintains that he has never seen the woman before.
4 to provide someone with food and whatever is necessary for them to live on:
With an election approaching, the prime minister is keen to maintain his popularity.
The Queen has maintained political neutrality throughout her reign.
Security during the president's visit must be maintained at all costs.
Several of the teachers were quite unable to maintain discipline.
The United Nations has maintained a presence in the region for some time.