retain possession

/rɪˈteɪn pəˈzɛʃən/
phraseIntermediate keep ownership or control
⚖️Law
formal

To continue to have ownership or control of something, especially in a legal context.

The court ruled that the company must retain possession of the disputed property until further notice.

The court decided the company should keep ownership of the property for now.

💡

Often used in legal or contractual contexts to describe maintaining rights over property or assets.

Collocations

retain possession ofto keep ownership or control of

Related Phrases

lose possessionphrase
to no longer have ownership or control

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

In legal documents, 'retain possession' often implies a formal right to keep something.

Gold Rule

Formal Usage

Use 'retain possession' in formal or legal contexts, not casual conversation.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'retain' (to keep) and 'possession' (ownership or control).

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in legal, business, and sports contexts to describe maintaining rights or control over something.

Word Breakdown

retain
to keep or continue to have
root
+
possession
ownership or control of something
root
English Dictionary