retain retain /riːˈteɪn/

verb

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