retain definition

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