maintain

see definition of maintain

verbcare for, keep up
verbassert, claim; argue for

Synonyms for maintain

verb care for, keep up

Antonyms for maintain

adheres

verb. conform to or follow rules exactly

adhering

verb. conform to or follow rules exactly

adopt

verb. choose or take something as one's own

adopted

verb. choose or take something as one's own

Word Origin & History

mid-13c., "to practice habitually," from Anglo-French meintenir (Old French maintenir, 12c.) "keep (a wife), sustain; persevere in, practice continually," from Latin manu tenere "hold in the hand," from manu, ablative of manus "hand" (see manual) + tenere "to hold" (see tenet). Meaning "to carry on, keep up" is from mid-14c.; that of "to keep oneself, to support" is from late 14c. Sense of "to defend in speech" is from mid-14c. Related: Maintained; maintaining; maintains.

Example Sentences for maintain

Prosperity and power—yes, they are important, and we must maintain them.

An integer or two would be more useful to maintain the integrity of the House.

Yet as a last resort to maintain the right, war is justifiable.

In this situation we concluded to maintain our garrison, if possible.

I could not maintain the same calm in throwing off my hat and coat, and was vexed with myself for it.

Your right was right as long as you could maintain it; so is ours.

It is your part to pave the way for this deception; mine to maintain it.

But how to maintain himself and his family until the wares were made and ready for sale?

Exactly; just as I maintain all that is honorable and disinterested.

But as a rule he managed to maintain a dignity that was almost solemnity.