retain definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

re·tain [ ri táyn ] (past and past participle re·tained, present participle re·tain·ing, 3rd person present singular re·tains)

transitive verb

Definition:

1. keep something: to keep possession of something

Despite losing the court case he retains all rights to the magazine article.

2. remember things: to be able to keep ideas or information in the memory

3. keep something in position: to keep or hold something in a place or position

water retained by a dam

4. hold something within: to be able to hold or accumulate something, especially liquid

5. pay somebody to do work: to pay somebody regularly to do work

6. hire professional person: to pay a preliminary fee to reserve the services of an attorney, accountant, or other professional whenever needed

[14th century. Via Anglo-Norman retaign-< Latin retinere "hold back" < tenere "hold"]

re·tain·a·bil·i·ty [ ri tàynə bíllətee ] noun

re·tain·a·ble [ ri táynəb'l ] adjective

re·tain·ment noun