| retain | (v) hold back within, Example: This soil retains water; I retain this drug for a long time; the dam retains the water |
| retain | (v) allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature, Syn. keep on, keep, continue, Example: 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 | (v) secure and keep for possible future use or application, Syn. keep back, hold, hold back, Example: The landlord retained the security deposit; I reserve the right to disagree |
| retain | (v) keep in one's mind, Example: I cannot retain so much information |
| retained object | (n) an object in a passive construction |
| retainer | (n) a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone, Syn. consideration |
| retainer | (n) a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment |
| retaining wall | (n) a wall that is built to resist lateral pressure (especially a wall built to prevent the advance of a mass of earth) |
| Retain | v. t. Be obedient, and retain An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ] A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
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| Retain | v. i. A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Retainable | a. Capable of being retained. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Retainal | n. The act of retaining; retention. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Retainer | n. |
| Retainment | n. The act of retaining; retention. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ] |