maintain

verb

• 1cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to continue:the need to maintain close links between industry and schools
• keep (something) at the same level or rate:agricultural prices will have to be maintained
• keep (a building, machine, or road) in good condition or in working order by checking or repairing it regularly.

• 2provide with necessities for life or existence:the allowance covers the basic costs of maintaining a child
• keep (a military unit) supplied with equipment and other requirements.
• archaic give one’s support to; uphold:the king swears he will maintain the laws of God

• 3 [reporting verb] state something strongly to be the case; assert: [with object]:he has always maintained his innocence [with clause]:he had persistently maintained that he would not stand against his old friend [with direct speech]:“It was not an ideology at all,” she maintained