1. designed to hold something in place or prevent it from moving
Usage: often used in construction and engineering contexts

Examples

• The retaining wall prevents soil erosion on the hillside.
• Engineers built a retaining structure to support the embankment.
• The retaining clips keep the battery in place.
• A retaining ring holds the bearing assembly together.
• The retaining fence keeps the livestock in the pasture.
• Retaining bolts secure the engine cover.
• The retaining dam controls water flow in the reservoir.