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   main·te·nance

   /ˈmānt(ə)nəns/

   noun

   • 1. the process of maintaining or preserving someone or something, or the state of being maintained: "we support local initiatives that ensure the maintenance of community spirit" Similar preservationconservationcontinuationcontinuancecontinuitykeeping upcarrying onprolongationperpetuationOpposite breakdown
   • ▪ the process of keeping something in good condition: "car maintenance" Similar upkeepserviceservicingrepair(s)improvementcareaftercareOpposite neglect
   • 2. financial support provided for a person's living expenses: "a chance of going to university with fees and maintenance paid" Similar nurturefeedinglife supportfinancingsupportingsupportkeepingupkeeprare:sustentationalimentationappanagecorrodyOpposite neglect
   • ▪ financial support that a person is ordered by a court to give to their spouse during separation or following divorce; alimony: British "a divorced man paying his ex-wife $2,500 a year maintenance" Similar financial supportchild supportalimonyprovisionallowancekeepupkeepsubsistenceliving expenses
   • 3. the offense of aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause.

   Word Origin Middle English (in the sense ‘aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause’): from Old French, from maintenir (see maintain).

   Scrabble Points: 15

   • M

     3

   • A

     1

   • I

     1

   • N

     1

   • T

     1

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • A

     1

   • N

     1

   • C

     3

   • E

     1

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