Meaning & Definition of Retain in English

1. Hold back within

• "This soil retains water"

• "I retain this drug for a long time"

• "The dam retains the water"

2. 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"

3. Secure and keep for possible future use or application

• "The landlord retained the security deposit"

• "I reserve the right to disagree"

4. Keep in one's mind

• "I cannot retain so much information"