1. to keep or preserve a system of separation between groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics
The government continued to maintain segregation in public schools despite legal challenges.
O governo continuou a manter a segregação nas escolas públicas apesar dos desafios legais.
2. to uphold policies or practices that keep different groups separated or unequal
Many businesses worked to maintain segregation through discriminatory hiring practices.
Muitos negócios trabalharam para manter a segregação através de práticas de contratação discriminatórias.