'maintain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'maintenir,' where 'main' meant 'hand' and 'tenir' meant 'to hold.'

'maintenir' transformed into the Middle English word 'maintainen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'maintain'.

Initially, it meant 'to hold in the hand,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to keep in existence or continuance.'