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

SYNONYMS FOR retain

1 hold, preserve. See keep.

ANTONYMS FOR retain

1 loose, lose.
4 forget.

OTHER WORDS FROM retain

British Dictionary definitions for retainability

retain
/ (rɪˈteɪn) /

verb (tr)

Derived forms of retain

retainable, adjective retainment, noun

Word Origin for retain

C14: from Old French retenir, from Latin retinēre to hold back, from re- + tenēre to hold