retain
[ ri-teyn ]
/ rɪˈteɪn /
verb (used with object)
to keep possession of.
to continue to use, practice, etc.: to retain an old custom.
to continue to hold or have: to retain a prisoner in custody; a cloth that retains its color.
to keep in mind; remember.
to hold in place or position.
to engage, especially by payment of a preliminary fee: to retain a lawyer.
Origin of retain
1350–1400; Middle English
reteinen < Old French
retenir < Latin
retinēre to hold back, hold fast, equivalent to
re-
re- +
-tinēre, combining form of
tenēre to hold
OTHER WORDS FROM retain
Words nearby retain
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British Dictionary definitions for retain
retain
/ (rɪˈteɪn) /
verb (tr)
Derived forms of retain
retainable, adjective retainment, nounWord Origin for retain
C14: from Old French
retenir, from Latin
retinēre to hold back, from
re- +
tenēre to hold