retain
VerbWordNet 3.0
Verb (4)
- hold back within“This soil retains water”“I retain this drug for a long time”“the dam retains the water”
- 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: continuekeepkeep on
- secure and keep for possible future use or application“The landlord retained the security deposit”“I reserve the right to disagree”Synonyms: holdkeep backhold back
- keep in one's mind“I cannot retain so much information”
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Retain \Re*tain"\, v. i.
1.To belong; to pertain. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness.— Boyle.[1913 Webster]
2.To keep; to continue; to remain. [Obs.] --Donne. [1913 Webster]
Retain \Re*tain"\ (r[-e]*t[=a]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained (r[-e]*t[=a]nd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.] [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.]
1.To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to restrain from departure, escape, or the like. "Thy shape invisible retain." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator.— Blackstone.[1913 Webster]
2.To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor. [1913 Webster]
A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense.— Addison.[1913 Webster]
3.To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple. [1913 Webster]
Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To keep; hold; restrain. See Keep. [1913 Webster]