Definition of Retain

Verb: retain ri'teyn

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
"She retains a lawyer"; "this garment retains its shape even after many washings";
- continue, keep, keep on
Secure and keep for possible future use or application
"The landlord retained the security deposit";
- hold, keep back, hold back
Keep in one's mind
"I cannot retain so much information"