As a Noun: 1. The act of causing someone or something to remain in a particular state or place; having something in a particular state or place so that you can use it whenever you want it; not giving something away. English = keeping, retaining, retention. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To cause someone or something to remain in a particular state or place; to have something in a particular state or place so that you can use it whenever you want it; to not give something away. English = keep, retain.