maintain verb
1 keep sth at the same level
VERB + MAINTAIN be anxious to, want to We are anxious to maintain our close links with the police. | have to, need to | strive to, try to | help (to) | be able to | be difficult to The government's position became increasingly difficult to maintain.
PHRASES the duty/need to maintain sth He emphasized the need to maintain the status quo.
2 keep sth in good condition
ADV. properly, well | poorly a poorly maintained central heating system
VERB + MAINTAIN be difficult to | be easy to
PHRASES be responsible for maintaining sth
You can also check other dicts: maintain (English, 中文解释 ), wordnet sense, Collins Definition