1keep 
/ˈki:p/ verb
keeps; kept /ˈki:p/ verb /ˈkɛpt/; keep·ing 1 [+ obj] : to continue having or holding (something) : to not return, lose, sell, give away, or throw away (something)
▪ She's going to keep the money she found. ▪ I can't decide whether to sell my old car or keep it for another year. ▪ While the company laid off some employees, others had hopes of keeping their jobs. ▪ The shirt will keep [=retain] its shape after many washings. ▪ an actress who has kept her looks/beauty [=continued to be attractive/beautiful] as she has grown older ▪ “The fare is $4.” “Here's $5. Keep the change.” ▪ He struggled to keep his cool/composure. [=to remain calm; to not become upset or angry] ▪ He vowed to keep his silence about what he had seen. [=to not tell anyone about what he had seen] 2 a [linking verb] : to continue in a specified state, condition, or position
▪ I asked them to keep quiet. ▪ keep still/warm ▪ He vowed to keep silent about what he had seen. [=to not tell anyone about what he had seen] ▪ She likes to keep [=stay] busy. ▪ The program teaches kids how to keep safe near water. ▪ Have you kept in touch with your college roommate? [=have you continued to talk to or write to your college roommate?]
b [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to continue in a specified state, condition, or position
▪ I tried to keep the children quiet during the ceremony. ▪ The local newspaper keeps people informed about what's happening in town. ▪ The article offers tips on how to keep kids safe near water. ▪ The movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. ▪ We need to keep costs under control. ▪ This scarf will help keep you warm. ▪ She keeps herself fit by jogging. ▪ He kept his hands behind his back while we were talking. ▪ Keep both hands on the steering wheel. ▪ It was so cold inside that I kept my coat on. ▪ I promise I'll keep your decision a secret. [=I will not tell anyone your decision] ▪ Keep the mixture chilled until you are ready to serve it. 3 [+ obj] a : to cause or force (someone) to stay in a place
▪ I won't keep you (here) much longer. ▪ The doctors want to keep me in (the hospital) for further tests. ▪ If you're in a hurry, don't let me keep you. ▪ keep a prisoner in jail ▪ She kept the children in the house during the storm. ▪ There was nothing to keep me in the city.
b : to cause (someone) to be late
▪ You're late. What kept you? [=what delayed you?; why are you late?] 4 [+ obj] a : to do (something) continuously or again and again — + -ing verb ▪ The teacher asked them to be quiet, but they just kept talking. ▪ The rain kept falling all afternoon. ▪ The dog keeps running away. ▪ Keep walking/driving until you come to a traffic light. — often + on ▪ The band's music just keeps on getting better (and better). ▪ I'll never get this work done if you keep on interrupting me.
b : to cause (someone or something) to do something continuously or again and again — + -ing verb ▪ She has a desire for success that keeps her striving to do better. ▪ His boss kept him waiting [=forced him to wait] for over an hour. ▪ They want to keep the company growing. — see also keep going (below) 5 [+ obj] a : to do what is required by (something, such as a promise)
▪ She always keeps her promises/word. [=she always does what she promises to do; she always does what she says she will do] ▪ He failed to keep his appointment. [=he did not go to his appointment; he missed his appointment]
b : to not tell (a secret)
▪ I can keep a secret. ▪ a poorly kept secret [=a secret that has been told to many people] ▪ a well-kept secret [=a secret that has not been told to people]
c somewhat formal : to act properly in relation to (something)
▪ He keeps [=observes] the Sabbath. ▪ They keep kosher. 6 [+ obj] a : to store (something) in a specified place
▪ They keep the ketchup in the refrigerator. ▪ I keep my socks in a drawer. ▪ The sheets are kept in the closet. ▪ He keeps his wallet in his back pocket.
b : to have or hold (something) for later use instead of using it now
▪ We'll eat some of the cookies now and keep [=save] some for later. ▪ I'll keep my news until later. [=I'll tell you my news later] ▪ (Brit) Would you keep [=(US) save] a seat for me? 7 [no obj] of food : to continue to be in a good condition
▪ Carrots and potatoes keep well. ▪ The meat will keep in the freezer for several months. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ I have something to tell you, but it will keep. [=I can tell you later] 8 [+ obj] formal : to protect (someone)
▪ May the Lord bless you and keep you. — usually + from ▪ May the Lord keep you from harm. 9 [+ obj] : to produce (something, such as a journal or record) by putting information in a book, document, etc., over a period of time
▪ She kept a diary/journal. ▪ He keeps a detailed record of all his purchases. ▪ She keeps a list of books for future reading. 10 [+ obj] a : to take care of (something)
▪ keep [=tend] a garden ▪ We kept chickens and goats when I was a child.
b : to operate (something, such as a business) : manage
▪ They keep [=(more commonly) run] a bed-and-breakfast. ▪ (chiefly Brit) keep a shop 11 [+ obj] somewhat old-fashioned a : to have (something) available for use
▪ He keeps a car even though he lives in the city.
b : to have a continuing sexual relationship with (someone who is not your husband or wife)
▪ a married man who keeps a mistress ▪ She never married but she kept a lover for years. ▪ a kept man/woman [=a man/woman who is kept as a lover by someone]
▪ She's going to keep the money she found. ▪ I can't decide whether to sell my old car or keep it for another year. ▪ While the company laid off some employees, others had hopes of keeping their jobs. ▪ The shirt will keep [=retain] its shape after many washings. ▪ an actress who has kept her looks/beauty [=continued to be attractive/beautiful] as she has grown older ▪ “The fare is $4.” “Here's $5. Keep the change.” ▪ He struggled to keep his cool/composure. [=to remain calm; to not become upset or angry] ▪ He vowed to keep his silence about what he had seen. [=to not tell anyone about what he had seen]
▪ I asked them to keep quiet. ▪ keep still/warm ▪ He vowed to keep silent about what he had seen. [=to not tell anyone about what he had seen] ▪ She likes to keep [=stay] busy. ▪ The program teaches kids how to keep safe near water. ▪ Have you kept in touch with your college roommate? [=have you continued to talk to or write to your college roommate?]
b [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to continue in a specified state, condition, or position
▪ I tried to keep the children quiet during the ceremony. ▪ The local newspaper keeps people informed about what's happening in town. ▪ The article offers tips on how to keep kids safe near water. ▪ The movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. ▪ We need to keep costs under control. ▪ This scarf will help keep you warm. ▪ She keeps herself fit by jogging. ▪ He kept his hands behind his back while we were talking. ▪ Keep both hands on the steering wheel. ▪ It was so cold inside that I kept my coat on. ▪ I promise I'll keep your decision a secret. [=I will not tell anyone your decision] ▪ Keep the mixture chilled until you are ready to serve it.
▪ I won't keep you (here) much longer. ▪ The doctors want to keep me in (the hospital) for further tests. ▪ If you're in a hurry, don't let me keep you. ▪ keep a prisoner in jail ▪ She kept the children in the house during the storm. ▪ There was nothing to keep me in the city.
b : to cause (someone) to be late
▪ You're late. What kept you? [=what delayed you?; why are you late?]
b : to cause (someone or something) to do something continuously or again and again — + -ing verb ▪ She has a desire for success that keeps her striving to do better. ▪ His boss kept him waiting [=forced him to wait] for over an hour. ▪ They want to keep the company growing. — see also keep going (below)
▪ She always keeps her promises/word. [=she always does what she promises to do; she always does what she says she will do] ▪ He failed to keep his appointment. [=he did not go to his appointment; he missed his appointment]
b : to not tell (a secret)
▪ I can keep a secret. ▪ a poorly kept secret [=a secret that has been told to many people] ▪ a well-kept secret [=a secret that has not been told to people]
c somewhat formal : to act properly in relation to (something)
▪ He keeps [=observes] the Sabbath. ▪ They keep kosher.
▪ They keep the ketchup in the refrigerator. ▪ I keep my socks in a drawer. ▪ The sheets are kept in the closet. ▪ He keeps his wallet in his back pocket.
b : to have or hold (something) for later use instead of using it now
▪ We'll eat some of the cookies now and keep [=save] some for later. ▪ I'll keep my news until later. [=I'll tell you my news later] ▪ (Brit) Would you keep [=(US) save] a seat for me?
▪ Carrots and potatoes keep well. ▪ The meat will keep in the freezer for several months. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ I have something to tell you, but it will keep. [=I can tell you later]
▪ May the Lord bless you and keep you. — usually + from ▪ May the Lord keep you from harm.
▪ She kept a diary/journal. ▪ He keeps a detailed record of all his purchases. ▪ She keeps a list of books for future reading.
▪ keep [=tend] a garden ▪ We kept chickens and goats when I was a child.
b : to operate (something, such as a business) : manage
▪ They keep [=(more commonly) run] a bed-and-breakfast. ▪ (chiefly Brit) keep a shop
▪ He keeps a car even though he lives in the city.
b : to have a continuing sexual relationship with (someone who is not your husband or wife)
▪ a married man who keeps a mistress ▪ She never married but she kept a lover for years. ▪ a kept man/woman [=a man/woman who is kept as a lover by someone]
How are you keeping?
Brit — used to ask if someone feels good, bad, happy, well, etc. ▪ “How are you keeping [=how are you doing], Jill?” “Oh, pretty well, thanks.”
keep after [phrasal verb] 1 keep after (someone) informal : to tell (someone) again and again to do something
▪ My kids kept after me to quit smoking, so I finally did. ▪ I wasn't going to audition, but my friends kept after me. 2 keep (someone) after US : to require (a student) to stay at school after classes have ended
▪ The teacher kept him after (school) for misbehaving in class.
▪ My kids kept after me to quit smoking, so I finally did. ▪ I wasn't going to audition, but my friends kept after me.
▪ The teacher kept him after (school) for misbehaving in class.
keep at [phrasal verb] 1 keep at it : to continue doing or trying to do something
▪ If you keep at it long enough you'll succeed. ▪ The project was difficult, but we kept at it and eventually it was done. 2 keep (someone) at it : to force or cause (someone) to continue doing something
▪ The coach kept us (hard) at it until late afternoon.
▪ If you keep at it long enough you'll succeed. ▪ The project was difficult, but we kept at it and eventually it was done.
▪ The coach kept us (hard) at it until late afternoon.
keep back [phrasal verb] 1 : to not go near something
▪ The police asked the spectators to keep back. [=stay back] ▪ The guide told us to keep back from the edge of the cliff. 2 keep (someone) back or keep back (someone) a : to not allow (someone) to go near something
▪ The police kept the spectators back.
b US : to not allow (a student) to advance to the next grade level — usually used as (be) kept back ▪ Students who fail the exam may be kept back a year.
c Brit : to require (a student) to stay at school after classes have ended
▪ She was kept back [=(US) kept after, kept after school] for talking in class. 3 keep (something) back or keep back (something) : to not allow (something) to appear or be known
▪ He struggled to keep back his tears. [=he tried hard not to cry] ▪ The government kept back [=withheld] some crucial information from the media.
▪ The police asked the spectators to keep back. [=stay back] ▪ The guide told us to keep back from the edge of the cliff.
▪ The police kept the spectators back.
b US : to not allow (a student) to advance to the next grade level — usually used as (be) kept back ▪ Students who fail the exam may be kept back a year.
c Brit : to require (a student) to stay at school after classes have ended
▪ She was kept back [=(US) kept after, kept after school] for talking in class.
▪ He struggled to keep back his tears. [=he tried hard not to cry] ▪ The government kept back [=withheld] some crucial information from the media.
keep company [phrasal verb] 1 keep company with (someone) : to spend time with (someone) — usually used figuratively ▪ In her garden, roses keep company with lilies. 2 keep (someone) company : to spend time with (someone who would be alone if you were not there)
▪ I'll keep you company while you wait for the train.
▪ I'll keep you company while you wait for the train.
keep down [phrasal verb] 1 : to stay close to the ground or floor
▪ The soldiers were ordered to keep down. [=stay down] 2 keep (someone) down : to prevent (someone) from succeeding, winning, etc.
▪ You can't keep a good man down. [=you can't prevent a good or talented person from succeeding] 3 keep (something) down or keep down (something) a : to prevent (something) from increasing or rising
▪ The company is trying to keep down costs/expenses/prices. ▪ She watered the path to keep the dust down.
b : to prevent (something) from coming up from your stomach and into your mouth again
▪ He was so ill that he could only keep down a small amount of food. 4 keep it down — used to ask someone to be quiet ▪ Please keep it down in there. I'm trying to study.
▪ The soldiers were ordered to keep down. [=stay down]
▪ You can't keep a good man down. [=you can't prevent a good or talented person from succeeding]
▪ The company is trying to keep down costs/expenses/prices. ▪ She watered the path to keep the dust down.
b : to prevent (something) from coming up from your stomach and into your mouth again
▪ He was so ill that he could only keep down a small amount of food.
keep from [phrasal verb] 1 keep from (doing something) or keep (someone or something) from (doing something) : to not do or experience (something) : to prevent or stop (someone or something) from doing or experiencing (something)
▪ She found it hard to keep from laughing. [=she found it hard not to laugh] ▪ She's been trying to keep herself from eating too much candy. ▪ An umbrella will keep you from getting wet. ▪ It's difficult to keep from feeling worried about this situation. ▪ He was anxious to keep his son from getting into trouble. ▪ Her happy nature kept her from worrying. ▪ I don't want to keep you from (doing) your work. = I don't want to keep you from working. ▪ She tied the knot tightly to keep it from loosening. ▪ The company has taken steps to keep the building from being broken into again. ▪ It was hard to keep from [=avoid] confusing the twins. 2 keep (something) from (someone) : to not tell (something) to (someone)
▪ What information are you keeping from me? [=what information are you not telling me?] ▪ They think the government is keeping [=withholding] the truth from us.
▪ She found it hard to keep from laughing. [=she found it hard not to laugh] ▪ She's been trying to keep herself from eating too much candy. ▪ An umbrella will keep you from getting wet. ▪ It's difficult to keep from feeling worried about this situation. ▪ He was anxious to keep his son from getting into trouble. ▪ Her happy nature kept her from worrying. ▪ I don't want to keep you from (doing) your work. = I don't want to keep you from working. ▪ She tied the knot tightly to keep it from loosening. ▪ The company has taken steps to keep the building from being broken into again. ▪ It was hard to keep from [=avoid] confusing the twins.
▪ What information are you keeping from me? [=what information are you not telling me?] ▪ They think the government is keeping [=withholding] the truth from us.
keep going [phrasal verb] 1 : to continue moving forward
▪ He walked right past me and just kept going. 2 : to continue doing something
▪ I was ready to give up on the search, but they convinced me to keep going. [=to continue searching] 3 keep (someone) going : to make (someone) able to continue doing something at a difficult time
▪ I don't know what keeps her going after all these years. ▪ Their grandson is the only thing keeping them going. 4 keep (something) going : to cause (something) to continue to exist or function
▪ They tried everything they could think of to keep the business going. ▪ He kept the conversation going.
▪ He walked right past me and just kept going.
▪ I was ready to give up on the search, but they convinced me to keep going. [=to continue searching]
▪ I don't know what keeps her going after all these years. ▪ Their grandson is the only thing keeping them going.
▪ They tried everything they could think of to keep the business going. ▪ He kept the conversation going.
keep house — see 1house
keep in [phrasal verb] 1 keep (something) in : to not show or express (something, such as an emotion)
▪ You shouldn't keep your anger in all the time. 2 keep (someone) in (something) : to continue to provide (someone) with (something needed or wanted)
▪ It's very expensive keeping my children in clothes that fit. 3 keep in with (someone) chiefly Brit : to remain friendly with (someone)
▪ She's always kept in with the people with power.
▪ You shouldn't keep your anger in all the time.
▪ It's very expensive keeping my children in clothes that fit.
▪ She's always kept in with the people with power.
keep off [phrasal verb] 1 keep off (something) or keep (someone or something) off (something) : to stop or prevent (someone or something) from being on (something)
▪ Keep [=stay] off the grass. [=do not walk on the grass] ▪ Please keep the dog off the sofa. 2 keep (weight) off : to continue to weigh a lower amount than you formerly weighed : to not regain weight that you have lost
▪ She has managed to keep (most of) the weight off for two years. ▪ Losing weight is not as hard as keeping it off. 3 a keep off (something) : to not talk about (something)
▪ I think we'd better keep off [=avoid] the subject of the war.
b keep (someone) off (something) : to prevent (someone) from talking about (something)
▪ We tried to keep them off (the subject of) the war.
▪ Keep [=stay] off the grass. [=do not walk on the grass] ▪ Please keep the dog off the sofa.
▪ She has managed to keep (most of) the weight off for two years. ▪ Losing weight is not as hard as keeping it off.
▪ I think we'd better keep off [=avoid] the subject of the war.
b keep (someone) off (something) : to prevent (someone) from talking about (something)
▪ We tried to keep them off (the subject of) the war.
keep on [phrasal verb] 1 informal : to continue happening, doing something, working, etc.
▪ The rain kept on [=kept up] throughout the day. ▪ He talked and talked. At one point I thought he would keep on all night. 2 keep (someone) on : to continue to have (someone) as an employee
▪ The chef was kept on even after the restaurant was sold. 3 keep on at (someone) chiefly Brit, informal : to say the same thing to (someone) again and again in a way that is annoying
▪ My parents kept on at me to go back to college.
▪ The rain kept on [=kept up] throughout the day. ▪ He talked and talked. At one point I thought he would keep on all night.
▪ The chef was kept on even after the restaurant was sold.
▪ My parents kept on at me to go back to college.
keep out [phrasal verb] 1 : to not enter a place
▪ The sign on the door said “Keep out!” 2 keep out of (something) a : to not enter (a place)
▪ We were told to keep out of his office. ▪ Please keep [=stay] out of the way.
b : to not become involved in (something)
▪ This argument doesn't involve you, so you should just keep [=stay] out of it. 3 keep out (someone or something) or keep (someone or something) out (of a place) : to stop or prevent (someone or something) from entering (a place)
▪ The curtains help keep out the drafts. ▪ Keep the cat out of the bedroom.
▪ The sign on the door said “Keep out!”
▪ We were told to keep out of his office. ▪ Please keep [=stay] out of the way.
b : to not become involved in (something)
▪ This argument doesn't involve you, so you should just keep [=stay] out of it.
▪ The curtains help keep out the drafts. ▪ Keep the cat out of the bedroom.
keep pace with — see 1pace
keep score — see 1score
keep tabs on — see 1tab
keep the faith — see faith
keep time — see 1time
keep to [phrasal verb] 1 keep to (something) a : to stay in or on (something) : to not leave (something)
▪ He kept to the house most of the time. ▪ She keeps to the main roads when she travels.
b : to not go beyond (something)
▪ He tried to keep [=stick] to his budget.
c : to act or behave in the way required by (something)
▪ keep to [=abide by, obey] the rules of the game
d : to not move away from or change (something)
▪ I wish you'd just keep to [=stick to] the point. ▪ They kept to their story. 2 keep to yourself a or chiefly Brit keep yourself to yourself : to stay apart from other people : to avoid other people
▪ She was a shy girl who kept pretty much to herself.
b keep (something) to yourself : to keep (something) secret
▪ He knew what the facts were but kept them to himself. [=he did not tell anyone what the facts were] ▪ She likes to keep things to herself.
▪ He kept to the house most of the time. ▪ She keeps to the main roads when she travels.
b : to not go beyond (something)
▪ He tried to keep [=stick] to his budget.
c : to act or behave in the way required by (something)
▪ keep to [=abide by, obey] the rules of the game
d : to not move away from or change (something)
▪ I wish you'd just keep to [=stick to] the point. ▪ They kept to their story.
▪ She was a shy girl who kept pretty much to herself.
b keep (something) to yourself : to keep (something) secret
▪ He knew what the facts were but kept them to himself. [=he did not tell anyone what the facts were] ▪ She likes to keep things to herself.
keep track — see 1track
keep up [phrasal verb] 1 : to go or make progress at the same rate as others : to stay even with others in a race, competition, etc.
▪ The leader began to run faster, and the other runners found it hard to keep up. — often + with ▪ The other runners struggled to keep up with the leader. ▪ He found it difficult to keep up with the rest of the class. 2 : to continue to know the newest information about something
▪ There is so much happening in the world now that I find it hard to keep up. [=stay informed] ▪ I find it hard to keep up on/with the news. 3 : to continue happening
▪ The rain kept up all night. ▪ The gunfire kept up for a long time. 4 keep up with (someone) informal : to continue to talk to or write to (someone)
▪ She still keeps up with [=keeps in touch with] her old friends from college. 5 keep (someone) up : to prevent (someone) from sleeping
▪ I hope our party didn't keep you up all night! 6 keep (something) up or keep up (something) a : to continue doing (something)
▪ Keep up the good work. ▪ Keep that up and you'll get into trouble!
b : to prevent (something) from getting worse, weaker, etc.
▪ We need to keep standards up. ▪ Keep your spirits up! ▪ The house had been kept up [=maintained] nicely. ▪ You need to exercise more to keep your strength up.
c ◊If you keep up your end of something (such as a bargain or agreement) you do what you have promised or agreed to do.
▪ I'm never sure if she will keep up her end of the deal.
▪ The leader began to run faster, and the other runners found it hard to keep up. — often + with ▪ The other runners struggled to keep up with the leader. ▪ He found it difficult to keep up with the rest of the class.
▪ There is so much happening in the world now that I find it hard to keep up. [=stay informed] ▪ I find it hard to keep up on/with the news.
▪ The rain kept up all night. ▪ The gunfire kept up for a long time.
▪ She still keeps up with [=keeps in touch with] her old friends from college.
▪ I hope our party didn't keep you up all night!
▪ Keep up the good work. ▪ Keep that up and you'll get into trouble!
b : to prevent (something) from getting worse, weaker, etc.
▪ We need to keep standards up. ▪ Keep your spirits up! ▪ The house had been kept up [=maintained] nicely. ▪ You need to exercise more to keep your strength up.
c ◊If you keep up your end of something (such as a bargain or agreement) you do what you have promised or agreed to do.
▪ I'm never sure if she will keep up her end of the deal.
keep up appearances — see appearance
keep up with the Joneses — see joneses
keep your chin up — see chin
keep your distance — see 1distance
keep your head — see 1head
