diff --git a/include/linux/compiler_types.h b/include/linux/compiler_types.h
index 93600de3800b..f14c275950b5 100644
--- a/include/linux/compiler_types.h
+++ b/include/linux/compiler_types.h
@@ -143,6 +143,29 @@ static inline void __chk_io_ptr(const volatile void __iomem *ptr) { }
 # define __preserve_most
 #endif
 
+/*
+ * Annotating a function/variable with __retain tells the compiler to place
+ * the object in its own section and set the flag SHF_GNU_RETAIN. This flag
+ * instructs the linker to retain the object during garbage-cleanup or LTO
+ * phases.
+ *
+ * Note that the __used macro is also used to prevent functions or data
+ * being optimized out, but operates at the compiler/IR-level and may still
+ * allow unintended removal of objects during linking.
+ *
+ * Optional: only supported since gcc >= 11, clang >= 13
+ *
+ *   gcc: https://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/gcc/Common-Function-Attributes.html#index-retain-function-attribute
+ * clang: https://clang.llvm.org/docs/AttributeReference.html#retain
+ */
+#if __has_attribute(__retain__) && \
+	(defined(CONFIG_LD_DEAD_CODE_DATA_ELIMINATION) || \
+	 defined(CONFIG_LTO_CLANG))
+# define __retain			__attribute__((__retain__))
+#else
+# define __retain
+#endif
+
 /* Compiler specific macros. */
 #ifdef __clang__
 #include <linux/compiler-clang.h>