retain meaning and definition

RETAIN verb

Definition of retain (verb)

1. hold back within
   • "This soil retains water"; "I retain this drug for a long time"; "the dam retains the water"
2. allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
   • "We cannot continue several servants any longer"; "She retains a lawyer"; "The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff"; "Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on"; "We kept the work going as long as we could"; "She retained her composure"; "this garment retains its shape even after many washings"
   • synonyms: continue, keep, keep on
3. secure and keep for possible future use or application
   • "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree"
   • synonyms: hold, hold back, keep back
4. keep in one's mind
   • "I cannot retain so much information"