What is the meaning of retain?

verb

  • Hold back within.
    • usage: "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.
    • usage: "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"
  • Secure and keep for possible future use or application.
    • usage: "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree"
  • Keep in one's mind.
    • usage: "I cannot retain so much information"
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
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APAWordNet. (2010). retain. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/retain/definitions/1306537
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "retain" http://smartdefine.org/retain/definitions/1306537 (accessed September 21, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, retain, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/retain/definitions/1306537>.
MLAWordNet. "retain" 23 October 2010. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/retain/definitions/1306537>
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