v.
- cause or enable (a condition or situation) to continue.
▸keep at the same level or rate.
- keep (a building, machine, etc.) in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly.
- provide with necessities for life or existence.
▸archaic give one's support to; uphold.
- assert something to be the case.
Derivative
- maintainability n.
- maintainable adj.
- maintainer n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. maintenir, from L. manu tenere ‘hold in the hand’.