maintain
/meɪnˈteɪn/verb
with obj.
1
- cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to continue维持, 保持（某种状态或形势）：
the need to maintain close links between industry and schools.
保持工业和学校之间密切联系的需要。
1.1
- keep (something) at the same level or rate将…维持（在同样水平或速度）：
agricultural prices will have to be maintained.
农产品价格必须保持稳定。
1.2
- keep (a building, machine, or road) in good condition or in working order by checking or repairing it regularly维护, 养护, 保养（建筑物、机器或道路）。
2
- provide with necessities for life or existence扶养, 负担：
the allowance covers the basic costs of maintaining a child.
这笔补助包含了扶养一个孩子的基本费用。
2.1
- keep (a military unit) supplied with equipment and other requirements维持（部队的）给养。
2.2
- archaic give one's support to; uphold〈古〉支持; 维护：
the king swears he will maintain the laws of God.
国王立誓要维护上帝的戒律。
3
- reporting verb state something strongly to be the case; assert坚持; 断言; 主张：
with obj. he has always maintained his innocence他一直声称自己是清白的
with clause he had persistently maintained that he would not stand against his old friend他坚称他不会反对自己的老朋友
with direct speech 'It was not an ideology at all,' she maintained.“这根本谈不上是什么思想体系,"她断言说。
派生词
maintainability
nounmaintainable
adjective词源
Middle English （also in the sense 'practise (a good or bad action) habitually'）： from Old French maintenir, from Latin manu tenere 'hold in the hand'.