retain
(verb)
verb
1. hold back within
- This soil retains water
- I retain this drug for a long time
- the dam retains the water
Definition categories: stative, bear, carry, contain, hold
2. allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
- She retains a lawyer
- She retained her composure
- this garment retains its shape even after many washings
Similar word(s): continue, keep
Definition categories: social, prolong, sustain
3. secure and keep for possible future use or application
- The landlord retained the security deposit
Similar word(s): hold
Definition categories: possession, keep
4. keep in one's mind
- I cannot retain so much information