maintenance |ˈmānt(ə)nəns; ˈmāntn-əns|noun1 the process of maintaining or preserving someone or something, orthe state of being maintained : crucial conditions for the maintenance of democratic government.• the process of keeping something in good condition : car maintenance| [as adj. ] essential maintenance work.2 the provision of financial support for a person's living expenses, or the support so provided.• alimony or child support.• historical Law the former offense of aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause.ORIGIN Middle English (in the sense [aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause] ): from Old French, from maintenir (seemaintain ).