Definition of: retain

(ri·tān′) v.t.
1. To keep or continue to keep in one's possession; hold.
2. To maintain in use, practice, etc.: to retain one's standards.
3. To keep in a fixed condition or place.
4. To keep in mind; remember.
5. To hire, as a servant; also, to engage (an attorney or other representative) by paying a retainer. [<OF retenir <L retinere <re- back + tenere hold] Synonyms: detain, employ, engage, hire, hold, keep, maintain, preserve, reserve, secure, withhold. See KEEP, REMEMBER. Antonyms: abandon, cede, discard, discharge, dismiss, eject, relinquish, renounce, resign, surrender.