Entry Word: retain

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to continue to have in oneʼs possession or power <I plan to retain the family heirlooms until my own children are mature enough to appreciate them, and then I will lovingly pass them on> — see keep 2
2 to keep, control, or experience as oneʼs own <that author retains the right to veto any changes in his books suggested by his publisherʼs editor> — see have 1
3 to provide with a paying job <her neighbor retained her as a nanny for the summer, thus giving her something to do until school started again> — see employ 1