maintain

Verb

• stick to correctly or closely
  • The pianist kept time with the metronome
    
  • keep count
    
  • I cannot keep track of all my employees
    

• support against an opponent
  • The appellate court upheld the verdict
    

• state or assert
  • He maintained his innocence
    

• maintain by writing regular records
  • keep a diary
    
  • maintain a record
    
  • keep notes
    

• maintain for use and service
  • I keep a car in the countryside
    
  • She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips
    

• have and exercise
  • wield power and authority
    

• state categorically

• supply with necessities and support
  • She alone sustained her family
    
  • The money will sustain our good cause
    
  • There's little to earn and many to keep
    

• 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
    
  • children must be taught to conserve our national heritage
    
  • The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts
    

• keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean"
  • hold in place
    
  • She always held herself as a lady
    
  • The students keep me on my toes
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  observe , keep , uphold , defend , wield , exert , assert , asseverate , sustain , conserve , preserve , keep up , hold