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; We cannot continue several servants any longer; She retains a lawyer; The familys 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

[ Syn: continue , keep , keep on ]

secure and keep for possible future use or application; The landlord retained the security deposit; I reserve the right to disagree

[ Syn: hold , keep back , hold back ]

keep in one's mind; I cannot retain so much information'