retain
[ ri-teyn ]
/ rɪˈteɪn /
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verb (used with object)
to keep possession of.
to continue to use, practice, etc.: to retain an old custom.
to continue to hold or have: to retain a prisoner in custody; a cloth that retains its color.
to keep in mind; remember.
to hold in place or position.
to engage, especially by payment of a preliminary fee: to retain a lawyer.
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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Origin of retain
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”
synonym study for retain
1. See keep.
OTHER WORDS FROM retain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for retain
British Dictionary definitions for retain
retain
/ (rɪˈteɪn) /
verb (tr)
Derived forms of retain
retainable, adjectiveretainment, nounWord Origin for retain
C14: from Old French retenir, from Latin retinēre to hold back, from re- + tenēre to hold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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