retain

[ ri-teyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to keep possession of.

   Synonyms: preserve, hold

   Antonyms: lose, loose

2. to continue to use, practice, etc.:

   to retain an old custom.

3. to continue to hold or have:

   to retain a prisoner in custody; a cloth that retains its color.

4. to keep in mind; remember.

   Antonyms: forget

5. to hold in place or position.
6. to engage, especially by payment of a preliminary fee:

   to retain a lawyer.

7. Medicine/Medical. to keep in the body, especially abnormally; fail to eliminate:

   I was referred to a specialty clinic and they discovered that I was retaining urine.

retain

/ rɪˈteɪn /

verb

1. to keep in one's possession
2. to be able to hold or contain

   soil that retains water

3. (of a person) to be able to remember (information, facts, etc) without difficulty
4. to hold in position
5. to keep for one's future use, as by paying a retainer or nominal charge

   to retain one's rooms for the holidays

6. law to engage the services of (a barrister) by payment of a preliminary fee
7. (in selling races) to buy back a winner that one owns when it is auctioned after the race
8. (of racehorse trainers) to pay an advance fee to (a jockey) so as to have prior or exclusive claims upon his services throughout the season

Derived Forms

• reˈtainment, noun
• reˈtainable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·tain·a·ble adjective
• re·tain·a·bil·i·ty [ri-tey-n, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], re·tain·a·ble·ness noun
• re·tain·ment noun
• non·re·tain·a·ble adjective
• non·re·tain·ment noun
• un·re·tain·a·ble adjective
• un·re·tain·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retain¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English reteinen, from Old French retenir, from Latin retinēre “to hold back, hold fast,” equivalent to re- re- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre “to hold”

Word History and Origins

Origin of retain¹

C14: from Old French retenir , from Latin retinēre to hold back, from re- + tenēre to hold

Synonym Study

See keep.

Example Sentences

Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News personality whom President-elect Donald Trump nominated to be his defense secretary, has continued his courtship of GOP senators who hold the keys to his future — while seeking to retain the support of the man who appointed him.

From Salon

It called the investigation "a complex and sensitive matter" and their "absolute priority is to maintain the integrity of our investigation and support and retain the confidence of potential victims".

From BBC

I worked at one in high school, and I retain an affection for their queso and quesadilla explosion salad that borders on embarrassing.

From Salon

The Crenshaw community, Hart said, “should retain its historic African American cultural cachet.”

From Los Angeles Times

Among the financiers was MSquared, a women-owned real estate development and investment firm that will retain an equity share, as will New York investment and development firm Six Peak Capital.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absorb
• cling to
• contain
• enjoy
• have
• hold
• keep
• maintain
• own
• possess
• preserve
• recognize