Associations to the word «Retain»

Wiktionary

RETAIN, verb. (transitive) To keep in possession or use.
RETAIN, verb. (transitive) To keep in one's pay or service.
RETAIN, verb. (transitive) To employ by paying a retainer.
RETAIN, verb. (transitive) To hold secure.
RETAIN, verb. (obsolete) To restrain; to prevent.
RETAIN, verb. (obsolete) To belong; to pertain.

Dictionary definition

RETAIN, verb. Hold back within; "This soil retains water"; "I retain this drug for a long time"; "the dam retains the water".
RETAIN, verb. 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".
RETAIN, verb. Secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree".
RETAIN, verb. Keep in one's mind; "I cannot retain so much information".

Wise words

All my life I've looked at words as though I were seeing them for the first time.
Ernest Hemingway