retain

Universal Words verb [VN] (rather formal) 1 to keep sth; to continue to have sth: to retain your freedom / independence * He struggled to retain control of the situation. * The house retains much of its original charm. * She retained her tennis title for the third year. 2 to continue to hold or contain sth: a soil that retains moisture * This information is no longer retained within the computer's main memory. * (figurative) She has a good memory and finds it easy to retain facts. 3 (law) if a member of the public retains sb such as a lawyer, he or she pays money regularly or in advance so the lawyer, etc. will do work for him or her: a retaining fee * to retain the services of a lawyer seealsoRETENTION, RETENTIVE