maintain

verb

1. cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity"hold in place"
2. keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction"We preserve these archeological findings"
3. supply with necessities and support"She alone sustained her family"
4. state categorically
5. have and exercise"wield power and authority"
6. maintain for use and service"I keep a car in the countryside"
7. maintain by writing regular records"keep a diary"
8. state or assert"He maintained his innocence"
9. support against an opponent"The appellate court upheld the verdict"
10. stick to correctly or closely"The pianist kept time with the metronome"