retain
/rɪˈteɪn/
(rather formal)
1 retain something to keep something; to continue to have something
to retain your 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 retain something to continue to hold or contain something
These plants will need a soil that retains moisture during the summer months.
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 retain somebody/something (law) if a member of the public retains somebody such as a lawyer, they pay money regularly or in advance so the lawyer, etc. will do work for them
You will be paid a retaining fee.
You will need to retain the services of a lawyer.