retain

/ri-ˈtān/

Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retinēre to hold back, restrain, from re- + tenēre to hold

verb

  1. to keep in possession or use

  2. to keep in one's pay or service; specifically : to employ by paying a retainer

  3. to keep in mind or memory : remember

keep retain detain withhold reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control. retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.