Retener (en. Retain)

/re.te.ˈneɾ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To hold or maintain something.
The teacher is going to hold the exams until next week.
El profesor va a retener los exámenes hasta la próxima semana.
To preserve in memory or make something endure.
It is important to retain the information for the exam.
Es importante retener la información para el examen.
To stop or halt someone or something.
The police decided to detain the suspect for questioning.
La policía decidió retener al sospechoso para interrogarlo.

Etymology

From Latin 'retinere', which means 'to hold' or 'to preserve'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to detain someone
To detain a person by authority.
retener a alguien
to retain information
To preserve relevant data in memory.
retener información
to hold a deposit
To hold an amount of money as a guarantee.
retener un depósito

Related Words

detained
A person who has been kept in a place against their will.
retenido
retention
The act of retaining, especially in the context of money or information.
retención
retainer
An object used to hold something in place.
retenedor

Slang Meanings

To withhold money
The boss is going to withhold part of our salary this month.
El jefe va a retener una parte de nuestro salario este mes.
To withhold information
I am going to withhold that information until it is necessary.
Esa información la voy a retener hasta que sea necesario.